Dreary consumer sentiment set to be put to the test
A fresh look at consumer and business sentiment this week will provide key insights as Australia battles still-elevated core inflation.
The economy
Despite a fall in headline inflation, a larger-than-expected rise in the underlying figure to 3.6 per cent will concern the Reserve Bank.
Weak productivity growth and stifling business conditions are preventing Australia from capitalising on its economic strengths, a think tank claims.
Falling house prices might further exacerbate a slowdown in Australia's economy after GDP growth eased in the first three months of 2026.
The economy
Retailers under attack from weak demand, rising costs
Australia's retail sector faces a pincer attack as the war in the Middle East increases costs and pushes consumers to the brink.
The economy
‘Self-fulfilling’ inflation expectations risk recession
Australia could face a recession if businesses fail to keep their inflation expectations anchored, the central bank has warned.
Update
Hawkish RBA hikes rates again, lifts inflation forecast
After the Reserve Bank raised interest rates for a third-straight meeting, speculation is mounting that there could be more pain for home buyers to come.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz led to a massive surge in fuel prices in March, pushing the annual headline inflation rate to 4.6 per cent.
Nearly 18,000 jobs were added to the Australian economy in March, but economists are warning it could still prompt the RBA to hike rates again.
The International Monetary Fund has warned of further financial pain on the horizon for Australia as the treasurer heads to the United States for crucial talks.
Australia's most essential industries are exposed to major risks from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, as surging oil prices weigh on economic growth.
While inflation data for February has been overtaken by the Iran war, it gives the Reserve Bank an important insight into domestic conditions before the shock.
Credit-demand figures indicate business conditions have been headed south since before the US-Israeli war on Iran rocked global energy markets.
The mining sector on the Australian stock exchange is technically in a bear market, after falling by more than 20 per cent from an earlier record high.
Australia's labour market eased a little in February, despite an extra 48,900 jobs added to the economy, according to official data.
Mortgage holders face higher borrowing costs after the Reserve Bank raised interest rates to counter an expected surge in inflation fuelled by the Iran war.
The ASX200 has fallen almost three per cent, wiping out all its gains for the year amid the spiralling war in Iran.
After three years of declining profits, Australian corporations as a whole returned to growth this reporting season, led by banks including CBA and NAB.
Australia's gross domestic product expanded by 0.8 per cent in the last three months of 2025, lifting the economy's growth rate over the year to 2.6 per cent.
