Business
The economy
IMF warns sticky inflation could keep interest rates ‘higher for even longer’
The International Monetary Fund warned that price growth in many major economies has been cooling slower than expected, flagging a potential risk to global growth from persistently high rates.
- by Eric Martin
Latest
Opinion
Australian economy
Take heart! Australia is still better and fairer than most
It’s been tempting to think that the goal of every generation being better off than their parents has been lost. It’s not true. Not yet anyway.
- by Ross Gittins
Nuclear not the solution Australia needs, says electricity grid chief
One of Australia’s top energy officials warns nuclear energy is expensive and cannot be developed in time to replace coal plants.
- by Nick Toscano
Australia’s creaking power grid is thwarting renewables and pushing up prices
Delays in upgrades to the east-coast grid could raise power bills by hundreds of dollars a year in some parts of the country, analysis shows.
- by Nick Toscano
Opinion
Wage growth
OECD’s message to our inflation warriors: calm down, she’ll be right
International public servants in Paris have reminded us that Australia’s real wages are too low. So why is the RBA so worried about continued high inflation?
- by Ross Gittins
The Grollos are bullish on Mount Buller, despite the threat of less snow
It’s been a slow start to this year’s ski season in Victoria – and climate change poses an ongoing threat – but business on the slopes is booming.
- by Simon Johanson
Opinion
Federal budget
Forget smaller government, let’s shoot for better government
Randomised controlled trials aren’t just for medicine and pharmaceuticals – they can also help put our taxes to better use in properly evaluated government programs.
- by Ross Gittins
Opinion
Inside China
The US is losing patience with China
A senior US official has taken aim at China, saying “more creative approaches may be necessary” to protect the global economy.
- by Stephen Bartholomeusz
Opinion
Bills
Stop fishing for red herrings and start fixing the problems
There’s an urgent need to lessen the cost-of-living crisis, provide more homes and drive investment. Playing the blame game is not helping anyone.
- by Bran Black
Opinion
Global economy
The UK and France now have to deal with very uncertain futures
Two very different election outcomes last weekend have produced very similar challenges that the governments will struggle to deal with.
- by Stephen Bartholomeusz
Opinion
Income tax
Yes, we need tax reform, but it offers no easy answers
Surely if we could end the crazy business of bracket creep, we’d pay less tax? Well, yes – but no.
- by Ross Gittins