Finance

Economists are increasingly confident that mortgage holders and small businesses will finally get some long-awaited interest rate relief in just a few weeks.

Core inflation in Australia has fallen to a better-than-expected 3.2 per cent in the December quarter, boosting hopes of an interest rate cut next month.

A combination of the strong greenback, the impact of a weakening Chinese economy and struggling domestic growth are punishing the currency.

The bloodbath on Wall Street has rattled global markets, and put one of Trump's biggest bets in doubt.

The federal government is preparing Australians for good news on Wednesday, when crucial inflation data is released ahead of the Reserve Bank's first interest rates decision of the year.

The famous department store will acquire control of fashion labels Portmans, Dotti, Jacqui, Just Jeans and Jay Jays.

Macquarie Bank has cut interest rates on three of its fixed-rate home loans as the highly anticipated first Reserve Bank meeting of the year draws closer.

Meanwhile, global billionaires are raking in more than ever even as almost half of the world's population languishes in poverty.

Financial help from relatives is moving beyond providing a foothold on the housing ladder, new research shows.

It says banning credit and debit surcharges is the simplest and fairest way to answer consumer concerns.

Australia's unemployment rate has risen slightly, increasing the chances of an interest rate cut.

A domino effect stretches all the way to household budgets and might even impact the Reserve Bank of Australia's interest rates decisions.

They remain the country's wealthiest generation, but Baby Boomers no longer own the most valuable property.

It's been a tumultuous year for cash, but new developments on the horizon look promising for fans of physical money.

The onset of the new year hasn't been kind to the nation's finances.

After an entire year when they didn't budge, this is what economists think is coming in 2025.

The sharemarket also struggled following a key economic development in the United States.

Unemployment has fallen to its lowest level since March, surprising economists and once again denting hopes of an earlier-than-expected interest rates cut.

Canstar's annual survey of more than 2000 people found that for those who have personal debt, the average amount has risen to $15,200.

One of the world's leading economic bodies has weighed in on Australia's cash rate.

Rebranding is risky for any company. If done correctly, it can modernise a business - if it fails it can sink the bottom line.

Australia's economy rose 0.3 per cent in the September quarter, according to new ABS data.

Figures show that the cost of retirement has increased significantly over the last 20 years.

ANZ has become the third of the big four banks to push back its forecast for when the Reserve Bank will begin cutting interest rates.

Any suggestion that Wednesday's better-than-expected inflation figures could lead to an early interest rate cut has been well and truly dispelled by RBA Governor Michele Bullock.

For many shoppers, Black Friday sales are all about striking the best deals and saving money, with 58 per cent of Australians planning to participate this year.

Tracy Hall thought she'd fallen head over heels in love. Instead, she'd fallen for a scam which would cost her entire life savings.

But there's still one key figure that will be keeping the Reserve Bank away from an interest rate cut.

Australia's banking regulator has resisted calls to lower the serviceability buffer for new mortgages.

ANZ has joined the Commonwealth Bank and NAB in cutting its variable interest rates - but there's a catch.

Australians could have to wait even longer than expected for the Reserve Bank to finally cut interest rates.

Australians are being forced to dish out more of their income than ever before to meet their basic housing payments.

The decision impacts the 3.2 million Australians who have a mortgage on their own home and has flow-on effects across the entire economy.

The Albanese government says it will mandate that businesses must accept cash for essential items from 2026 while expanding on its plan to phase out cheques.

"Today's cut means a reduction of $126 on monthly repayments, which is a substantial sized reduction in lieu of an RBA rate cut."

New data has revealed Australians could be set to snap up some of the best property bargains in years.

There are signs of weakness creeping into the jobs market in what could be good news for Aussies hoping for a cash rate cut.

Spending rose ever so slightly in October, driven in part by ticket sales for major events.

Digital only banks, known as 'neo banks' are shaking up the industry, and one of the major players has just hit a new milestone.

Voter dissatisfaction with high inflation was crucial in sending Donald Trump back to the White House, but he could be about to send it soaring once again.

The value of cryptocurrency Bitcoin has surged to an all-time high on the back of Donald Trump's US election victory.

It comes even as the ATO collected a record amount of income tax from large corporations.

Commonwealth Bank has revised its prediction that mortgage holders will be treated to a pre-Christmas interest rate cut.

Despite the good news, an interest rate cut is unlikely to follow.

The number of building companies showing signs of financial distress is up 31 per cent in just the last six months.

The offer hasn't been extended to everyone – only borrowers considered to be low-risk are eligible for the new lower rate, while rates have increased for high-risk customers.

More than a million Australians are yet to lodge their tax return and are at risk of being fined, with the deadline only a week away.

The four entities that make up the Harrolds Group were placed into liquidation at the start of October.

It predicts that in wealthy countries global inflation will fall to two per cent - the target range - by next year.

A new report has compared affordability here to the rest of the world. It's predictably grim reading.