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Latest news: Macro Economics

Illicit cigarettes surge clouds modest spending lift

Illicit cigarettes surge clouds modest spending lift

A 0.2 per cent rise in household spending in September would have been twice as strong if not for a fall in legal tobacco sales, according to official figures.

Trump vows to reach a 'fantastic deal' with China's Xi

Trump vows to reach a 'fantastic deal' with China's Xi

Trump vows to reach a 'fantastic deal' with China's Xi

Trump vows to reach a 'fantastic deal' with China's Xi

US President Donald Trump says he's aiming for a breakthrough in planned talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea.

Rate cut hopes dim as power bill shock sparks inflation

Rate cut hopes dim as power bill shock sparks inflation

Rate cut hopes dim as power bill shock sparks inflation

Rate cut hopes dim as power bill shock sparks inflation

Borrowers hoping for a second straight interest rate cut have been dealt a blow after a surge in electricity prices drove inflation unexpectedly higher.

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Treasurer mulls making tax fairer for young Australians

Treasurer mulls making tax fairer for young Australians

Australia's "unfair" tax system has created a situation where retirees can earn the same income as working households, but pay less than half the tax.

Jigsaw coming together for further interest rate relief

Jigsaw coming together for further interest rate relief

A soft inflation print and surprisingly strong retail sales paint a rosy picture of the Australian economy ahead of a key Reserve Bank rate meeting.

Online shopping rebounds as rate cut talk opens wallets

Online shopping rebounds as rate cut talk opens wallets

Australians are spending more online as inflation eases and interest rate cuts seem more likely following a lean period, especially for some home-buyers.

Nation on notice as signs point to growing jobless rate

Nation on notice as signs point to growing jobless rate

Australians are being warned about possible further rises in unemployment after a shock jobless rate jump that has strengthened the case to cut interest rates.

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Spotlight on inflation as state treasurers come clean

Spotlight on inflation as state treasurers come clean

Spotlight on inflation as state treasurers come clean

Spotlight on inflation as state treasurers come clean

Monthly inflation data and state budget updates are set to dominate the economic agenda and shape the Reserve Bank's next cash rate call.

Homebuyers stand to win as big bank ups rate-cut bet

Homebuyers stand to win as big bank ups rate-cut bet

Homebuyers stand to win as big bank ups rate-cut bet

Homebuyers stand to win as big bank ups rate-cut bet

Westpac's chief economist has added two more rate cuts to her forecast for 2026 with lower immigration expected to drive down rents and inflation.

Businesses and consumers caught between opposing forces

Businesses and consumers caught between opposing forces

Businesses and consumers caught between opposing forces

Businesses and consumers caught between opposing forces

Falling interest rates are not buoying the spirits of households and firms as fast as hoped, as global economic uncertainty keeps a lid on sentiment.

Productivity pickle a top priority for upbeat treasurer

Productivity pickle a top priority for upbeat treasurer

Productivity pickle a top priority for upbeat treasurer

Productivity pickle a top priority for upbeat treasurer

Falling interest rates and Australia's competitive advantages are reasons for optimism, says the treasurer as he sets his sights on improving productivity.

Albanese hits out at Trump's 'economic self harm'

Albanese hits out at Trump's 'economic self harm'

Albanese hits out at Trump's 'economic self harm'

Albanese hits out at Trump's 'economic self harm'

The Prime Minister has criticised US President Donald Trump's move to double tariffs on steel imports as "inappropriate" and an act of harm.

National accounts to reveal Australia's economic pulse

National accounts to reveal Australia's economic pulse

National accounts to reveal Australia's economic pulse

National accounts to reveal Australia's economic pulse

Australia's economic growth rate for the first quarter will be revealed this week and investors will study minutes from the Reserve Bank's last board meeting.

Price moves to help RBA plot course through uncertainty

Price moves to help RBA plot course through uncertainty

Price moves to help RBA plot course through uncertainty

Price moves to help RBA plot course through uncertainty

Australia's central bank will seek signs of stability as it tries to chart a course to lower interest rates through the murky waters of global uncertainty.

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Trump threatens new EU tariffs, reigniting trade fears

Describing EU trade talks as "going nowhere", US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 50 per cent tariff.

'Sustainable': push to keep low-paid from falling back

Almost three million Australian workers are being backed to receive higher pay, but the federal government says it must be economically sustainable.

Mortgage relief could be limited as jobs market expands

An unexpected jump in employment has led the money market to pare back its hopes for further mortgage relief after a widely expected rate cut next week.

US, China to hold ice-breaker trade talks in Geneva

Two top US officials will meet with China's top trade negotiator this weekend in the first major talks since President Donald Trump sparked a trade war.

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Wary China 'evaluating' US offer for talks on tariffs

The US and China are locked in a cat-and-mouse game over tariffs with both sides unwilling to be seen to back down or be first to negotiate.

Weary retail recovery has rate cut almost in the bag

All the smoke signals point to an interest rate cut as Australian retail spending continues to grow amid cooling consumer and producer inflation.

US wants to start tariff talks with China: state media

A Chinese state media report says the "US has proactively reached out to China" to hold discussions on tariffs.

US economy contracts 0.3 per cent in the first quarter

US economy contracted in first quarter of 2025, the first drop in three years.

Trump uncertainty set to smash Australian economy

Australia is not following the "bouncing ball" of Donald Trump's daily shifts, the treasurer says, amid predictions of a bigger-than-expected economic hit.

Rate cut on horizon amid fears of more stock turmoil

Donald Trump's latest attack on a pillar of the global economy could renew market stress as Australian homeowners eye a supersized rate cut.

Canada's old relationship with US 'is over', says PM

Canada's prime minister says his country's relationship with the United States has changed due to Donald Trump's actions on tariffs.

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