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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

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

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

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

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

Rents rise three times faster than wages

Rents have risen nearly three times faster than wages over the past five years, pushing rental affordability to record lows and stretching household budgets across the

Consumer confidence hits decade low

Consumer confidence has hit a decade low, with households pessimistic about their financial conditions over the next 12 months, and their economic conditions over the

Which of the emerging trade “clubs” should Australia join?

By Naoise McDonagh A profound shift is underway in global trade. Governments are moving beyond traditional free trade agreements open to all countries and embracing

Refinancing at record high, first home buyer loans rise

More people are looking for a better deal on their mortgages, as first home buyer loans rise 6.8 percent. Australian Bureau of Statistics data released today show a 20

Car servicing put on hold as cost pressures bite

Nearly half of Australian car owners say they are delaying servicing their vehicles as cost-of-living pressures continue to impact spending patterns. Research released

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