Rates stay on hold but RBA inflates hopes of relief
The wait goes on for home owners sweating on an interest rate cut but the Reserve Bank hints long-awaited mortgage relief is getting closer.
The economy
The opposition says excessive government spending is trashing the economy, but Labor says coalition cuts would just make it harder for households.
The Australian economy grew 0.3 per cent in the three months to September and 0.8 per cent through the year, below expectations.
Australia's budget is expected to be $20 billion worse off than initially forecast under numbers run by an independent economist.
The economy
Data to confirm Australian economy still limping
New data is expected to show the national economy continues to be sluggish, in line with Treasurer Jim Chalmers' warning in parliament last month.
The economy
Top bank chief reveals why rates are still on hold
Australia's top central banker reveals why she still hasn't pulled the trigger on interest rate cuts despite similar countries already taking action.
Update
Christmas rate cut hopes slayed as inflation holds firm
Energy rebates have lowered Australia's headline inflation rate, but the Reserve Bank remains focused on underlying price pressures.
Australia's budget fortunes are shifting, with Deloitte Access Economics predicting a deeper deficit than predicted in the May budget.
Falling iron ore prices and a weaker labour market will weigh on this year's revenue upgrades, the federal treasurer says.
The generational spending gap is not going anywhere despite cheaper petrol, power and other essential items as younger people continue to tighten their belts.
Donald Trump isn't even at the APEC economic summit where his comments on trade tariffs are worrying leaders, but one envoy says speculation isn't helpful.
Roughly 15,900 jobs were added to the economy last month, falling short of expectations, as the jobless rate remained steady at 4.1 per cent.
Australia's wage price index has lifted 0.8 per cent in the September quarter, a little below expectations and taking the annual rate to 3.5 per cent.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers believes Australia is well placed to deal with global financial shocks despite the looming threat of US tariffs.
The re-election of Donald Trump as US president could have "adverse implications" for the Australian economy but it has not changed the RBA's view on inflation.
Interest rates have been kept on hold for almost a year and are broadly expected to stay there until cuts start in early 2025, provided inflation keeps easing.
More was spent on household goods and meals out last month, while less money was funnelled into department stores, clothes and food retailing.
Finance Minister Katy Gallagher has hinted further cost-of-living measures are being considered after inflation fell within the Reserve Bank's target range.
Annual inflation has sunk to 2.8 per cent, the lowest rate in more than three-and-a-half years.
