Australia's tax overhaul chills nation's long love affair with property

Just a short stroll from Sydney's famous Bondi Beach, auctioneer Clarence White struggles to drum up bids for an airy three-storey home that boasts five bedrooms and an al fresco lounge - price tag, A$5.2 million ($3.64 million).

Reuters • 10 hours ago

Australia extends fuel excise relief to ease household cost pressures

Australia will extend fuel excise relief for an additional month, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Sunday, as ​the country continues to grapple with higher fuel costs ‌during the Iran war.

Reuters • Jun 21, 2026

At Hong Kong auto show, China automakers to target wealthy in right-hand-drive markets

Chinese automakers are speeding into right-hand-drive markets from Australia to Southeast Asia and ​challenging long-dominant Japanese car companies with premium electric vehicles aimed at affluent consumers.

Reuters • Jun 17, 2026

Australia's ASX proposes 25% cap on share issuance in public M&A without shareholder vote

The Australian Securities Exchange will introduce ​major new changes that cap companies from ‌issuing more than 25% of their existing share capital to fund public takeovers without a shareholder vote, bowing to pressure from investors ​concerned about becoming diluted in corporate buyouts.

Reuters • Jun 17, 2026

Australia's first-quarter economic growth misses estimates on severe weather, weak demand

Australia's GDP expanded 2.5% in the first three months this year, missing expectations. On a quarter-on-quarter basis, Australia's GDP grew 0.3% compared with 0.5% forecast.

CNBC • Jun 3, 2026

Australia's CBA flags surging AI costs as tasks grow complex, slams 'work slop'

The cost of using AI will rise in less predictable ways as companies deploy the technology for complex tasks, the head ​of Australia's biggest bank said on Tuesday, calling the expense a ‌key emerging management challenge.

Reuters • Jun 2, 2026

FTSE 100 rises as mining stocks rally on stronger metal prices

The UK's blue-chip index advanced on Tuesday, supported by gains in mining-related shares as base metal prices strengthened, while energy stocks came under pressure following a decline in crude oil. Broader sentiment was also influenced by geopolitical developments, including renewed expectations of progress in US–Iran talks.

Invezz • Jun 2, 2026

Australia extends measure that releases petrol and diesel from domestic reserves

Australia on Saturday extended a measure that releases petrol and diesel ​from domestic reserves, Energy Minister Chris ‌Bowen said, as the country continues to grapple with the impact of the ​Iran war on energy supplies.

Reuters • May 30, 2026

Once investor darlings, Australian banks get reality check on mortgage change

A looming slowdown in mortgage lending, higher provisions for souring loans and rising interest rates are darkening the outlook for Australian banks, pushing investors away from their once-favoured stocks.

Reuters • May 27, 2026

Australia Rate Increases Stay in Play Despite Easing Inflation

Australia's consumer-price growth slowed, but stayed high enough to keep the door open to further rate increases by the central bank.

WSJ • May 27, 2026