Economy

Economists predict lingering inflation in 2026, followed by interest rate cuts in 2027, despite a two-week extension of the Strait of Hormuz opening.

A prolonged conflict in the Middle East or the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz would further intensify pressure on supply chains, the credit agency has warned.

The OECD has revealed the risks of a prolonged conflict in the Middle East, with the conflict already testing economic resilience through global supply chains and energy shocks.

Conflict in West Asia has thrust Australia into an unpredictable new business cycle, Deloitte Access Economics has warned in its latest quarterly business outlook.

The Productivity Commission has doubled down on its calls for government policy action after labour productivity continued to disappoint in the December 2025 quarter.

The US-Israel attack on Iran and the subsequent regional and geopolitical conflict that has ensued have disrupted approximately 20 per cent of the global supply of oil and gas, thereby significantly increasing prices for ...

Insolvency volumes stabilised in the first half of the financial year, but increased pressures on businesses have sparked fears that insolvencies could rise again this year, says Insolvency Australia.

Insolvency rates for businesses overall have returned to long-run averages but remain elevated in certain industries, according to a report by the central bank.

Cost pressures are expected to increase for some businesses over the period ahead but many businesses remain well placed to manage these, the latest Financial Stability Review has found.

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 4.3 per cent, despite the number of employed people growing by 49,000.