Markets

AARON PATRICK: Michele Bullock described Tuesday’s interest rate hike in bloodless central-banker speak - but it will cost the economy roughly $3 billion to $6 billion.

The Reserve Bank of Australia wouldn’t have to hike interest rates if the Federal Government made a tough decision, a leading economist says.

The under-pressure founder and boss of Corporate Travel Management has quit— two months after his company was forced to admit it had overcharged clients more than $150 million.

Mortgage holders are being told to brace for at least four rate hikes during the coming year with the Reserve Bank expecting inflation to remain a problem into 2028.

The Opposition claimed large payments to the states and other unexplained expenses weren’t disclosed before last year’s election.

Jewellery retailer Michael Hill is tipping a double-digit jump in half-year earnings, with margins steady despite record gold and silver prices.

Outgoing ASIC chairman Joe Longo says Australians must be taught to understand investment risk better, rather than rely on the regulator to control the democratisation of the investment landscape.

Gold has extended a record-breaking rally as chaos sowed by the erratic policy making of US President Trump encouraged investors to seek safety in the precious metal.

Donald Trump has heightened fears of trade war between the United States and Europe, sending investors ducking for cover and ASX-listed gold stocks to fresh heights. 

Geopolitical tensions have sent jitters through equities markets after the United States took a more aggressive tone on plans to acquire Greenland.

Insurance giant boss says the company is on alert for potential increases in claims as a tropical cyclone affects north Queensland and the risks from fires persist in Victoria.

It has been decades since the industry relished foreign-policy entanglements.

Shares in Rio Tinto hit an all-time high on Monday as a big bet on lithium made by Simon Trott’s predecessor looks to be paying off.

Raw materials and energy stocks are supporting the local bourse, but most other sectors are in the red as the shaky start to the new year continues.

THE NEW YORK TIMES: In recent months, a tumble in some of the more speculative AI companies has also knocked down some of the market’s leaders.