Interest rates
Lowe warns against rent freezes as he signals rates may rise again
RBA governor Philip Lowe makes his last appearance before the House of Representatives’ economics committee before he is replaced by deputy Michele Bullock.
- by Shane Wright
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Cost of living
Six graphs show cost of living crisis is hitting those who can least afford it
People like Emma Warren are at breaking point, according to a new survey of people who are hit the hardest by rising cost of living.
- by Max Maddison
Lowe’s last stand: RBA governor to face MPs one more time
Every six months, the RBA governor is quizzed by federal MPs. Philip Lowe faces his last federal grilling on Friday.
- by Shane Wright
Opinion
Earnings season
What keeps CBA’s boss awake at night? It isn’t stressed borrowers
Any board that ticks off a share buyback and a higher dividend payout ratio is sending a message that it is not concerned about the strength of its franchise.
- by Elizabeth Knight
Analysis
Home loans
Why the time is ripe to ask for a discount on your mortgage
Existing borrowers are currently in pole position to negotiate discounts on their mortgages as lenders fight to keep customers.
- by John Collett
Analysis
Home loans
Mortgage arrears set to increase even if rates stay on hold
Mortgage arrears levels have not risen by as much as expected, but they are likely to ratchet up in coming months.
- by John Collett
Wary consumers fear RBA is not done with rate rises
As evidence mounts that consumers are shutting their wallets, a key measure of confidence actually fell despite interest rates remaining steady.
- by Shane Wright
Opinion
Global economy
Why this billionaire Wall Street legend is so worried about the future
The massive wealth transfer that occurred during the pandemic is poised to cause problems. And Australia will not be immune.
- by Stephen Bartholomeusz
For Subscribers
Inflation
Why you should and shouldn’t believe what you’re told about inflation
The rate of inflation, as measured by the consumer price index, can be an unreliable guide to the cost of living. Especially now.
- by Ross Gittins
Opinion
Bills
How one phone call can get an instant reprieve on your council rates
Wherever you are, however large the bill shock of council rates, you can get a reprieve from them. With one phone call.
- by Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon
‘Almost at the edge’: What life’s like in Melbourne’s most mortgaged suburb
Seventy-two per cent of properties are mortgaged and after 12 interest rate rises, homeowners say they’re struggling to make ends meet.
- by Jim Malo