Economy

The beginning of 2025 saw a strengthening in housing approvals, the latest ABS data has shown.

While the RBA’s decision to cut rates by 25 bps was a welcome and long-awaited move, more is needed to help get people (especially first home buyers) into homes.

Despite the third consecutive rise in mortgage stress levels, the figures are still lower than prior to the introduction of the stage 3 tax cuts.

The February minutes have revealed that the board has not guaranteed any more rate reductions in following meetings.

Small businesses across Australia face rising payment delays, putting cash flow at risk and threatening business sustainability.

A large fall in electricity prices has offset the January CPI rise, which remained well within the RBA’s target range.

Financial hardship for Aussie businesses is set to ease throughout 2025 after a recent report detailed upward trends.

Master Builders has urged the federal government to focus on boosting building industry capacity, productivity, and housing supply in the upcoming budget.

While the beginning of 2025 has seen some positive signs for Aussie business performance, experts warn things may not last as tariffs stand to impact organisations globally.

The RBA governor has conceded that the board did not respond promptly enough with interest rate increases when inflation began to rise.