Australian economy stories
Fuel costs have pushed headline prices higher again, leaving the Reserve Bank of Australia under pressure to raise interest rates despite softer underlying inflation.
Easier consent and wider bank access could lift Consumer Data Right use to more than 18 million Australians by 2035, the modelling says.
Fewer Australian scam reports still cost victims more in 2025, with total losses climbing to AUD $295.4 million and phishing damage surging.
Forecasts may overstate Australia’s data centre build-out unless early-stage projects secure finance, approvals and power connections.
Rising software costs and tighter scrutiny are pushing Australian builders to prioritise control of project data over collaboration features.
Flexibility is emerging as a bigger draw than pay in construction and engineering, as firms battle shortages and retention pressures.
Australian exporters gain a real-time cash-flow boost as PayTo lets them top up World Accounts instantly, even on holidays.
The shortlist comes as the sector weighs new rules on payments, scams and data rights, with 160 finalists vying across 22 categories.
Geopolitical turmoil has pushed Australian firms to lock in currency cover, with exporters hedging 86 per cent of exposure and importers 80 per cent.
AI adoption is widening a gap among Australian SMEs, with users growing 2.8 times faster and many others still holding back.
Many firms could struggle to survive owners’ retirement, as most lack a documented handover plan and depend on the founder’s reputation.
Employers are rewarding office presence with higher salaries and bonuses as hybrid staff risk falling behind on pay and progression.
Nearly half of Australian SMEs still avoid AI, but uptake is rising as firms use it mainly to cut admin and save time.
Higher fuel and power costs are intensifying cash-flow strains for smaller firms, with CreditorWatch warning insolvencies may rise over 12 months.
Businesses are paying more for faster freight as fuel levies jumped and late same-day deliveries hit 30 per cent in Australia.
Households and firms are facing renewed cost-of-living pressure, with petrol prices driving sentiment to levels last seen during the GFC and pandemic.
AI is becoming more visible in Australian recruitment, but government hiring still lags and overall job patterns remain largely unchanged.
Cybersecurity and skills gaps are leaving many mid-sized firms unable to turn AI investment into stronger profits or revenue growth.
British small businesses may cut card processing costs as Zeller enters a crowded market with more than 100 early UK sign-ups.
Australian accommodation operators may soon face higher payment costs as a card surcharge ban pushes them towards bank-to-bank alternatives.