Economy

Bearded man refuelling car on gas station and looking into his smartphone. Man compares fuel prices

Oil price shock a risk for inflation and economic growth

By Stella Huangfu Global oil markets have reacted swiftly to escalating tensions in the Middle East as the United States and Israel continue their assault on
Read more4 March 2026
Happy woman, vision and nurse with tablet for internship, med school or healthcare campaign at campus. Female person, medical student or junior with smile on technology for dream, research or study

Job vacancies are trending up in 2026

Job advertisements in Australia have recorded their first back to back increases since October 2024. The ANZ-Indeed Australian Job Ads index, released this week, showed
Read more3 March 2026
Man and woman sitting in office, holding money at hands. Gender pay gap, unequal salary concept

Gender pay gap spotlight is driving change

By Leonora Risse Since 2024, the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) has been publishing the gender pay gaps of Australia’s largest companies. Now, we have
Read more3 March 2026
A busy working mother having a work-related video call at home on her laptop and looking after her children

Discouraged workers are the forgotten wasted labour

By Sora Lee When we hear that Australia’s unemployment rate is low, it sounds like good news. The Australian Bureau of Statistics defines an unemployed person as
Read more2 March 2026
Gavan Ord, Business Investment Lead, CPA Australia

Accountants warn against government red tape obsession

Australia’s peak accounting body has urged governments to stop treating increased regulations as the default response to every issue. CPA Australia, in a statement
Read more26 February 2026
Satisfied young woman opening a postal delivery

The hidden consumer traps in ‘free’ shipping

By Adrian Camilleri You’re scrolling through an online retailer, like Amazon, Shein or eBay, and spot a shirt on sale for $40. You add it to your cart, but at
Read more26 February 2026
Couple enjoying a cozy hot pot dinner side by side

Pesky inflation locks in at unsustainable level

Australia’s inflation rate was steady at 3.8 percent in the year to January 2026, dashing hopes that it would trend down into the new year. The result keeps upward
Read more25 February 2026
Medical Check up

Boost in doctors training for country practice

More doctors are likely to become available in regional Queensland through strong interest in a rural pathway training program. The Royal Australian College of GPs said
Read more23 February 2026
Beautiful Irish girl on St. Patricks Day, Dublin, Ireland.

Mixed economic growth results across the OECD

Economic growth is patchy across industrialised countries with less than half recording a lift in the final quarter of 2025. Figures released by the OECD show that seven
Read more23 February 2026
Young woman using smartphone on bed

Sleepy shopping leads to regrets in the morning

Australians are indulging in impulsive “sleep shopping” and often making purchases that they regret in the morning. Research released by PayPal this week showed that
Read more20 February 2026