Economists at Australia’s largest lender have issued a dire warning for consumers, forecasting inflation to scale new heights as hopes of a quick resolution to the Iran war fade. The Commonwealth Bank (CBA) expects headline inflation to peak at 5.4 per cent by June – 1.4...
Australia’s two largest property markets could be entering a downturn as rising inflation and interest rates squeeze prospective buyers. But while the Middle East conflict will take some steam out of price growth, Australia’s chronic undersupply of housing continues to support property values across the country. Cotality’s...
Motorists will need to wait longer for cheaper fuel as a tax cut might take weeks to start flowing through the bowser, as Labor resists turning to fuel rationing to shore up supply. The federal government’s halving of the fuel tax will begin on Wednesday, slashing...
Demand for electric cars could get a second boost with the launch of a $100 million scheme offering discounted loans on low-emission vehicles. The Clean Energy Finance Corporation released details of the multimillion-dollar program on Wednesday after signing a deal with Volkswagen Financial Services Australia. Consumers and...
A watchdog’s decision to scrap discounted pay rates for young-adult workers in retail and fast-food jobs has been hailed as a landmark ruling akin to women winning equal pay. The Fair Work Commission on Tuesday said employees aged from 18 to 20 should receive the full...
Households already under pressure from higher interest rates will still face a cost wall of elevated fuel prices, despite government efforts to take some of the heat out. Two of Australia’s biggest banks have recorded spikes in spending at petrol stations since the US attacked Iran...
Major Australian employers will be required to set and meet gender equality targets in a push to lift workplace standards for male and female employees. From April 1, private sector employers with 500 or more employees will need to select three gender equality targets and report...
Unfair trading practices such as subscription traps and drip pricing will be banned under reforms designed to bolster protections for consumers. The Albanese government introduced laws to parliament on Wednesday to put an end to tactics used by businesses that cost people time and money, as...
Australia’s regional and rural businesses will face a triple threat from fuel, fertiliser and interest rate changes over the coming months, but can fight back with investments in renewable energy and artificial intelligence. NAB issued the advice with its Regional and Agribusiness Horizons Report on Wednesday,...
Market volatility is a natural and expected part of investing. At various points in time, investors will see their portfolios and superannuation balances rise and fall—sometimes sharply. While these movements can feel unsettling, particularly during periods of economic uncertainty, it’s important to remember that volatility...