economic impact

In the annals of baffling financial decisions, Donald Trump’s latest policy move may one day rival the most infamous. Historians may yet look past his double presidential victories and instead focus on a unique achievement: managing to bankrupt multiple casinos in the 1990s. A feat so improbable, it feels like the setup to a joke.

Australia’s largest retirement fund, AustralianSuper, has confirmed it was hit with over 600 attempted cyber attacks in the past month, with four of its members losing a combined total of $500,000 from their retirement savings.

In a high-stakes announcement amid the federal election campaign, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has vowed to impose a gas reservation policy on the east coast if his party wins office. The measure is designed to force more gas into the domestic market and drive down prices—from over $14 per gigajoule to under $10 per gigajoule—by compelling exporters to divert an extra 50 to 100 petajoules annually for local use. Dutton outlined the plan during his budget reply speech, declaring it “just the start” of a broader intervention aimed at curbing rising energy costs.

A new quarterly report by consumer advocacy group Choice has revealed a notable divergence in supermarket pricing trends over the past year. While the cost of an average basket of 14 common grocery items at Coles and Aldi has fallen, shoppers at Woolworths are paying significantly more.

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the digital landscape, Australian small businesses face a pivotal challenge: staying visible in an increasingly competitive online world. Google’s latest integration of AI technologies into its search and business platforms is not just a technological upgrade—it’s a game-changer. In response, many firms are overhauling their digital presence to remain competitive, embracing a “Google Ready” mindset that could determine their success in the coming years.

The British government has initiated a formal investigation into the nation’s “energy resilience” following an electrical substation fire that forced Heathrow Airport—Europe’s busiest air hub for international travel—to close for nearly 18 hours. The overnight blaze at the North Hyde substation, only 3.2 kilometres from the airport, not only severed electricity to Heathrow but also left more than 60,000 local properties without power. The resulting shutdown prompted over 1,300 flight cancellations and stranded approximately 200,000 people. While operations at Heathrow have since resumed, industry officials anticipate residual delays and disruptions for days to come, with some travellers still stuck.

In today’s highly competitive supermarket sector, loyalty programs have evolved far beyond simple rewards systems. An extensive inquiry by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has raised concerns that the gamification of loyalty programs at major chains such as Coles and Woolworths may be influencing customer behavior in ways many shoppers do not even realise. With more than 85 percent of Australians now belonging to at least one loyalty program, these initiatives are not only shaping purchasing decisions but might also be obscuring the true value of deals offered to consumers.

Australia's metals manufacturing industry is facing a fresh challenge from new US tariff threats, with President Donald Trump considering more tariffs on imported goods. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a $750 million federal funding package aimed at strengthening Australia's metal manufacturers and helping them stay competitive in a changing global market.