Hot or not? Strong spending complicates rate picture
Household spending continues to build momentum, heightening expectations of a Reserve Bank rate hike. After official figures released on Monday showed stronger-than-expected spending in November, data from Commonwealth Bank revealed…
Wall St CEOs back US Fed independence amid Powell probe
CEOs from top Wall Street banks JPMorgan Chase and BNY have voiced support for the independence of the US Federal Reserve, days after the Trump administration opened a criminal investigation…
Faith groups raise alarm over hate speech reforms
Religious leaders are raising concerns over definitions under draft hate speech reforms, which they say might open people up to prosecution over past remarks. Hate speech laws will be debated…
How treasurer could make capital gains taxes ‘fairer’
Treasurer Jim Chalmers faces a renewed push to reform capital gains taxes, with pressure mounting from economic think tanks, anti-poverty advocates and even the NSW government to make the system…
China had record trade surplus in 2025
China’s trade surplus surged to a record of almost $US1.2 trillion ($A1.8 trillion) in 2025 as exports picked up in December. Customs data shows that China’s global surplus rose 20…
Trump’s attack on Fed could speed up investment pivot
Donald Trump’s mounting siege of Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell will be closely watched by Australian fund managers, even as markets take the latest assault on the independence of the…
Donroe doctrine. Trump, Australia and the ‘Rules Based Order’
President Trump has adopted the position that in international relations, ‘might is right’. What does that mean for smaller, not so mighty countries? Former senator Rex Patrick asks. Donald Trump’s…
Exiled gangland tobacco boss arrested in Iraq
An exiled underworld boss linked to ongoing tobacco wars has been arrested following an independent criminal investigation by Middle Eastern authorities. Kazem ‘Kaz’ Hamad was arrested for drug trafficking, according…
Asia stocks inch higher as fragile yen spurs worries
Asian stocks rose on Wednesday, buoyed by Japanese shares, as investors braced for a snap election in Japan that could lead to more fiscal stimulus, while worries about central bank…
Alyssa Healy shifted the dial to propel women’s cricket to its modern heights | Megan Maurice
The retiring wicketkeeper-batter’s nervous beginnings made way for her lasting impact on the sport – and an overflowing trophy cabinet “I’m not cut out for this.” This is not a…