Locked down punters take the big plunge
A lack of sport has not stopped locked-down punters fuelling a massive jump in online gambling, even as overall consumer spending tumbles, new data shows.
Economics
States face $1.6bn debt interest bill
The interest bill on the debt held by the states and territories will soar by $1.6bn a year as they borrow heavily to beat COVID-19.
Food price spike lifts inflation
Spike in vegetable prices due to drought and bushfires helped push inflation to 2.2pc in the first quarter, before COVID-19 kicked in.
‘People are just bursting to go anywhere’
When travel and border restrictions ease, there’s a bucket list of domestic destinations set to fill with over-it isolated Aussies.
Tensions rise over worker pay aid
Many struggling businesses are finding that while staff benefit from JobKeeper, they are out of pocket and considering pulling out.
Super funds see opportunities in crisis
The COVID-19 crisis will provide opportunities for super funds, according to the chief investment officer of the TelstraSuper.
Trillion dollar debt by 2021
Federal government debt is on track to reach $1 trillion by the end of next year.
There is the elite, and then there’s the suffering millions
Those maintaining their income are an elite. Meanwhile a staggering 10.5m have had their employment changed by COVID-19.
Reform agenda? Give us a break
The only people talking about policy reform are those in no danger of losing their livelihood; everyone else is just trying to survive.
Elmer’s cure: download app, reform tax
Elmer Funke Kupper says downloading the contact tracing app and tax changes will help in the COVID-19 recovery.
Don’t let modelling drive policy
Economists don’t know much about epidemiology, but know about the pitfalls of statistics in general and modelling in particular.
High price of saving not many lives
Australia was already getting on top of the virus before the more costly stage three lockdowns.
RBA’s cash rate to stay at record low for years
Westpac has tipped the Reserve Bank’s cash rate to stay at a record low of 0.25 per cent until at least the end of 2023.
Economists warn of second wave
Australia is vulnerable to a second and potentially more economically disastrous wave of coronavirus infections.
After the disease, the debt burden
To cope with the expensive legacy of the pandemic, governments will have to find the right path between stimulus and restraint.
Landlords face rental return slump
The rental market is set for a ‘dramatic revision’ in pricing, with landlords warned of a 20pc fall in returns in the virus fallout.
Shopping shift will rattle super
If the US is anything to go by, some super funds – and their directors – are about to get ‘malled’.
Spotlight uses virus to squeeze suppliers
The billionaire-backed retailer has pushed out its payment terms to suppliers by a month and forced them to take a discount.
How many shops do we need?
As well as the growing global oil glut, Australia has to deal with two other oversupply issues: shopping centres and airports.
German miracle a lesson for us
The economic bounce after WWII was due to a rapid freeing-up of the rules.
Rinehart calls for tax reform, less red tape
Major tax reform and cutting red tape is imperative in Australia’s recovery from COVID-19, Gina Rinehart says.
Dear economists, your letter is gibberish
Perhaps it’s a result of poor drafting, but these academics’ petition is inexcusable.
Stimulus package big mistake: Abbott’s economist
Tony Abbott’s former chief economist says the government’s $194bn in stimulus spending is a ‘colossal over-reaction’.
Grocery grab drives retail record
Hoarding of groceries such as toilet paper, rice and pasta drove the biggest ever monthly jump in retail spending in March.
Bring on income tax cuts: Costello
Former treasurer Peter Costello has urged the Morrison government to bring forward personal income tax cuts and tear up regulations that stifle bank lending
Oil price crash deepens
A fresh plunge in oil prices is stinging investors, adding even more urgency to the crisis sweeping the energy industry.
Don’t bank on a quick recovery
I hope you are right Philip, but I fear you’re wrong. We’re simply not prepared for what may happen in 2021.
Tax reform cure for virus fever, says RBA
Philip Lowe urges the government to examine calls for an overhaul of the tax and industrial relations systems to lift Australia.
Lowe’s warning dents quick recovery hope
RBA governor Philip Lowe’s ‘sobering picture’ of the economy triggered the biggest two-day fall in Australian shares on Tuesday.
‘Negative oil’ to swamp producers
Anxiety is rising that global oil storage tanks could be overrun, shredding Brent prices and strangling local energy producers.
Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/economics/page/200