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Analysts say fresh food prices are more likely to increase than decrease for the rest of the year.

EconomyCommentsPremiumHouseholds warned to brace as high food prices keep surging

The cost-of-living squeeze is tipped to get even tighter as food prices keep rising, with manufacturers and retailers continuing to pass ballooning input costs onto consumers, an expert warns.

Rebecca Le May

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UPDATEDPremiumBank’s big change after shock inflation data

Mortgage holders are facing a nervous wait after a shock drop in Australia’s inflation rate, just days before the RBA meets on interest rates.

Cameron Micallef

Inflation data.

BusinessVideoCommentsBig four banks no longer expecting rate hikes

Inflation has moderated to the weakest level since before the Iran war, with economists at the big four banks now all declaring the end of Reserve Bank rate hikes after Westpac changed its position.

Stephen Johnson

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POLITICSPremium‘Admission of failure’: Fuel backflip blasted

Nationals leader Matt Canavan has slammed a recent announcement from Anthony Albanese as an “admission of failure”.

Jackson Robb

Jack Caldbeck is a 26yo bricklayer from the UK working on a site in Fremantle.

HousingCommentsPremiumPerth’s trade shortage worst in Australia despite high wages

If you think it’s hard getting a tradie, you are not imagining it.

Kim Macdonald

RBA governor Michele Bullock made it clear the institution was prepared to raise interest rates again if inflation remained stubbornly above target.

The West Australian exclusive
The West Australian exclusive
EconomyCommentsPremium
The West Australian exclusive
WA business confidence plunges as RBA issues rates warning

Short-term business confidence in WA has recorded its biggest plunge since the onset of COVID-19, dropping to some of the worst levels seen during the pandemic.

Cheyanne Enciso

RBA governor Michele Bullock has warned more rate hikes are possible. NewsWire

FINANCEPremium‘Act as required’: RBA boss’s damning 3 words

The RBA boss has used her last public address before the August 11 interest rate decision to warn cash-strapped households.

Cameron Micallef

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FINANCEPremiumThe inflation reading that will trigger another rate hike

Ahead of Wednesday’s official inflation figures, economists warn any number above this mark will lead to an interest rate hike.

Cameron Micallef

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POLITICSPremiumLast hope for Aussies facing fresh fuel pain

The government has been pressed on whether it will extend a discount on fuel as war in the Middle East risks sending prices soaring once more.

Amy Jackson and Nathan Schmidt

Aerial urban suburban cityscape landscape view in Perth Western Australia

EconomyPremiumCall to allow more three-storey properties to cut rents

A generational rethink of zoning rules to unlock more homes has been proposed by the Productivity Commission in a move that would dramatically reshape Perth.

Matt Mckenzie

Fewer homes are being put up for auction. NewsWire / David Swift

NEWSPremium‘Worst auction day in 30 years’: Dire warning

Leading auctioneer Tom Panos has sounded the alarm for millions in Australia’s major cities after recording the “worst day” of his 30-year career.

Blair Jackson

Mr Albanese says the tariff will penalise American consumers. NewsWire / Handout / Prime Minister’s Office

POLITICSPremiumAlbo dodges question on Trump danger

The Prime Minister has dodged a key question on Donald Trump as Australians weather tariffs and higher fuel costs caused by the US President’s war with Iran.

Joseph Olbrycht-Palmer

Former Victorian premier Daniel Andrews and his successor Jacinta Allan have been blamed for dragging the state’s economy down. NewsWire / David Geraghty

ECONOMYPremiumKey state blamed for Aussies economic woes

The economic decline of one of Australia’s biggest states is starting to show in the national figures, as it single-handedly dragged down employment figures.

Cameron Micallef

Oil prices are continuing to surge after more attacks on tankers in the Red Sea.

World NewsCommentsOil prices hit $US100 mark after Red Sea attacks

THE WASHINGTON POST: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Houthis were being ‘suckered’ by Iran into joining their fight.

Victoria Craw, John Hudson, Imogen Piper

Businesses are still facing inflationary issues, including higher wage, despite unemployment remaining steady in June. NewsWire / George Chan

UPDATEDPremiumDollar spikes on jobs figures reveal

The RBA’s job to contain inflation and keep rates steady just got a little bit harder after these jobs figures were released.

Cameron Micallef

Unemployment held steady at 4.4 per cent in June.

EconomyVideoCommentsRBA tipped to raise rates again as unemployment stabilises

The Reserve Bank of Australia is tipped to raise interest rates next month with unemployment holding steady.

Stephen Johnson

Some signs were creative, including one referencing the cult classic film The Room with the line: “You’re tearing me apart Ben Carroll”. NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

UPDATEDPremium‘Not happy Jacinta’: Teachers rally in CBD

A sea of red swept through Melbourne’s CBD on Thursday, as tens of thousands of public school educators walked off the job and marched on parliament.

Blair Jackson and Andrew Hedgman

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NEWSPremium‘Overplay their hand’: Fuel warning for Aussies

As oil prices hit highs not seen since June 11, Australia’s biggest bank has issued a warning on fuel prices.

Blair Jackson

CreditorWatch attributed WA’s low insolvency rate for retail to the State’s strong economy.

RetailCommentsPremium‘WA the best place to be’ amid retail killing season

WA has emerged as one of the few bright spots in a national retail sector grappling with a prolonged period of challenging conditions that have already led to the demise of a string of well-loved brands.

Cheyanne Enciso

WA recorded a one per cent increase in construction costs during the June 2026 quarter,

Commercial propertyCommentsPremiumWA to be hit hardest as construction costs keep on building

Construction inflation will double over the rest of the year and could jump to 20 per cent annually if the Middle East conflict continues and the fuel levy is removed, experts warn.

Kim Macdonald

Eye-popping prices in Perth Airport are just one example of a broader principle in economics.

analysis
analysis
EconomicsCommentsPremium
analysis
What steep prices for airport food tell us about housing

Eye-popping prices in Perth Airport are just one example of a broader principle in economics.

Matt Mckenzie

Jobs growth is slowing but fresh data is expected to show unemployment continuing to decline. (Bianca De Marchi/AAP PHOTOS)

BusinessCommentsPremiumHow the growing threat of war may impact the labour market

Resilient jobs data is a bright spot for Australia's economy but the longer the Middle East conflict drags on, the worse the prospect for growth and inflation.

Jacob Shteyman

Oil prices could pass $2 a litre. NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

updatedPremiumGrim warning for motorists as oil soars

Australians are being warned the price of fuel is about to rise, as the US and Iran resume their fighting.

Cameron Micallef

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UPDATEDPremium‘Highest ever’: Albo’s big boast on fuel supply

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says 55 ships are on their way to Australia carrying billions of litres of fuel.

Josephine Quattrocchi