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REVEALED: 2 | Rare Historical Photos

Australian Shares Close Lower as ASX 200 Hits Four-Month Low Amid Geopolitical Tensions and Rate Uncertainty

SYDNEY — The Australian stock market extended its losing streak Friday, with the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index closing at 8,428.40, down 69.40 points or 0.82%, marking a fresh four-month low and its third consecutive weekly decline.

International Business Times

RBA frets over severe global shock from Middle East war

Spillover from the Iran war and an uptick in risky lending to first-home buyers could threaten Australia's financial stability, the Reserve Bank warns.

AAP

Spike in jobless rate unlikely to end RBA hiking cycle

A rise in unemployment and a surge in hiring point to conflicting impulses in Australia's labour market, but conditions remain relatively tight.

AAP

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Yes, what you think about inflation can influence what the RBA does next

After two back-to-back interest rate hikes by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) in February and March, all eyes are on the next policy meeting set for May.

The Conversation

The RBA is asking Australians to show restraint. They may want to take their own advice

We are all living in uncertain times, so we expect decisions to be made with a high degree of caution. That applies to the central bank and interest rates

The Guardian - AU

PM calls national cabinet meeting over fuel crisis – as it happened

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The Guardian - AU

Treasurer warns of major economic damage from Iran war

Fresh modelling shows oil price shocks and soaring prices for other commodities will have a lasting impact on Australia's economy.

AAP

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Australian households fear double whammy of rate hikes and higher petrol prices will lead to recession

Borrowers face losing hundreds of dollars a month in higher repayments and rising pump rices will add to the pain, economists warn

The Guardian - AU

The RBA has made one of its most controversial calls in recent years - and this rate rise may not age well

Michele Bullock says high inflation hurts everyone, but there still seems to be an extraordinary level of complacency about potential fallout from the US-Israel war on Iran

The Guardian - AU

Afternoon Update: RBA hikes cash rate for second straight month; Trump seeks to delay China summit amid Iran war; and the 6.30pm rule

Hike takes Reserve Bank’s cash rate target from 3.85% to 4.1%, wiping out the relief offered by two cuts last year

The Guardian - AU

RBA narrowly votes to lift interest rates. The Middle East war may determine if there’s more to come

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has lifted official interest rates for the second time this year as it struggles to bring inflation under control, saying inflation is “likely to remain above target for some time”.

The Conversation

‘If we have to change tack, we will’: RBA hikes rates but not aiming to put Australia into recession, Bullock says

Reserve Bank of Australia’s second consecutive increase lifts cash rate target to 4.1%, back to where it was in February last year

The Guardian - AU

Collateral damage: war threatens to blow up inflation

Domestic pressures were behind the Reserve Bank's decision to hike interest rates, governor Michele Bullock says, although the Iran war will worsen inflation.

AAP

Despite denials, there are signs the RBA does consider house prices in setting rates

As households are squeezed by the cost-of-living crisis, central bank governors such as Jerome Powell in the United States and Michele Bullock in Australia are coming under repeated fire from politicians, pundits and households.

The Conversation

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AAP

Oil shock further reason for tax reform, spending cuts

An economic downturn might be needed to bring inflation back to target, economists warn, but the government can help with spending cuts and productivity reform.

AAP

Big four banks predict three consecutive RBA rate hikes

The Middle East conflict could prompt the Aussie dollar to plummet and the Reserve Bank to hike interest rates to 15-year highs in 2026, analysts say.

The Guardian - AU

Australians hit by soaring petrol prices now face expected blow of interest rate rise

Economists predict RBA board will hike cash rate to 4.1% next week as inflation climbs and energy costs surge

AAP

ASX edges higher on hopes of record oil reserve release

Volatile oil prices continue to dictate stock market sentiment with the local bourse trading higher on hopes tapping reserves could shore up crude supply.

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AAP

Iran conflict raises spectre of triple RBA rate hike

Households are being warned to brace for a second interest rate rise in as many months as three big banks react to comments from a top Reserve Bank official.

AAP

'Be bold': Spender urges income tax shake-up in budget

Australia's tax system needs to be rebalanced towards effort and ingenuity, independent MP Allegra Spender said as she launched her tax reform blueprint.

The Guardian - AU

Investors are expecting Donald Trump to back down in the war with Iran – but what if he doesn’t?

Global markets have become inured to the US president’s posturing over the past year, but economists warn they may be ‘a little bit complacent’ in anticipating a short conflict in the Middle East

The Conversation

Australian economy picks up speed, but managing inflation and rates is getting harder

Australia’s economy grew at its fastest annual rate in almost three years in the December quarter, rising 2.6%, although this is still modest growth by historical standards.

AAP

Good news is bad news: GDP growth fuels inflation fears

Australia's economy expanded by 2.6 per cent over 2025, above Reserve Bank forecasts, raising fears of an impending interest rate hike.

The Guardian - AU

‘Live’ chance of interest rate hike at March RBA meeting amid oil price spikes affecting inflation, governor says

Michele Bullock not ‘making a prediction’, but cites rise in oil prices due to attacks on Iran and tight labour market as factors in possible cash rate rise

The Guardian - AU

Desperate first home buyers are fuelling price ‘up-crash’ at lower end of market, experts say

Biggest house price increases in February come in smaller capital cities as buyers undeterred by interest rate hikes

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