Business
The economy
Opinion
Trump's White House
The Fed chief’s wise words are wasted on Trump
Jerome Powell’s highly nuanced speech highlighted the Trump-inspired uncertainties in the US economy even as Trump ramped up his efforts to gain control of the US central bank. Trump doesn’t do nuance.
- by Stephen Bartholomeusz
Latest
Opinion
Red tape
One thing could bring a lasting boost to productivity, but there’s a risk
We need to unclog the pipes of the capitalist machine.
- by Ross Gittins
Fed may cut interest rates soon, Powell signals
The Federal Reserve chair opened the door ever so slightly to lowering a key interest rate in the coming months but gave no hint on the timing of a move.
Powell signals Fed may cut rates soon even as inflation risks remain
In a high-profile speech closely watched at the White House and on Wall Street, the Federal Reserve chair said that there are risks of both rising unemployment and stubbornly higher inflation.
- by Christopher Rugaber
Opinion
Russia-Ukraine war
Trump is losing his grip as Europe loads up
While Donald Trump still commands the daily news cycle, he no longer commands the West nor the fate of Ukraine as Europe builds up its military capabilities.
- by Ambrose Evans-Pritchard
Opinion
Housing crisis
Candles don’t quite cut it in a powerless share house
Like the electricity in our 100-year-old home, the supply of housing is more scarce than we think.
- by Millie Muroi
‘Must resign now’: Trump pushes Fed governor to quit after fraud allegations
Lisa Cook is the latest Federal Reserve official in the president’s crosshairs as he escalates his campaign to reshape the central bank.
- by Josh Wingrove
Record clean energy surge set to break Australia’s coal reliance
The threat of blackouts as more coal-fired power stations shut has been downgraded after a record year of investment in renewables and storage.
- by Nick Toscano
Opinion
Productivity summit
I’ve changed my mind about red tape, but cutting it won’t solve everything
Streamlining regulation won’t be easily or quickly achieved, certainly not in a three-day roundtable.
- by Ross Gittins
Opinion
Oil
Inside job: Why Saudi Arabia is losing its appetite for oil
You know that horror movie trope where the babysitter gradually realises the crazed killer is phoning, not from some distant location, but from inside the house? Something similar is happening in the oil market.
- by David Fickling
Opinion
Productivity
Want better productivity? Keep wages rising strongly
When you tolerate businesses fattening their profits by finding ways to keep their wage bill down, you’re helping them cut their own throats.
- by Ross Gittins