Breakfast briefing: US descends into chaotic whirlpool

US public policy descends into farce; US job cuts at five year high; Japanese sentiment rises; Aussie spending up, exports down; AU FHB scheme launches to strong demand; UST 10yr at 4.09%; gold and oil retreat; AU$1 = 65.9 USc

America’s crypto apocalypse

Hilary Allen foresees grave risks from recent US legislation deregulating stablecoins - and from the ideology it reflects

Property values gain pace heading into spring, driven by record-low listings

As the expanded Home Deposit Guarantee launches, the supply squeeze fuels sharp price growth. September housing markets had their strongest price rise since October 2023

Five megatrends shaping the rise of non-bank finance

The IMF points out half of all financial assets worldwide are now held and intermediated by companies that are not classified and regulated as banks

This time the RBA holds its fire

Despite growing signs of inflation rising and strongish labour markets, the RBA has held its cash rate target at 3.6% as widely expected

ING cuts some fixed home loan rates sharply

Ahead of the RBA's rate review, ING has shifted its one and two year fixed home loan rates down

Two challenger banks shift their term deposit rates

Challenger banks maintain their good premiums for savers over all the big four pillar banks with their latest rate shifts

August CPI rises 3%, at the top of the RBA's comfort zone

The battle to keep inflation under control and within the RBA's target range isn't won. In fact the pressure rose in August to its highest level in almost a year

‘Last period premium’ amount was misleading

ASIC takes court action alleging RACQ sent half a million misleading insurance renewal comparisons

How can we account for crypto?

Tim Congdon highlights the challenges facing statisticians as opaque transactions erode trust in official data

Protecting SMSFs from below-standard private credit operators

Following warning signs from a new review, ASIC is moving to raise standards in the private credit sector, and has issued a series of stop orders against some current operators

Two big banks change rates for savers

NAB and Westpac change their bonus saver rates, but others still offer a better deal

Can you save by converting to a fixed rate home loan?

We look at the rationale for converting your variable rate mortgage to a fixed rate. There are good savings if you do that now, even if the RBA makes another rate cut before the end of 2025

The economic outlook from Sepetember 2025

The Westpac economists reveal their latest thinking on the Australian economy, commodity and financial markets, and the global economy

The best places to park funds in the short term

We highlight the 4% rates and above, still available for a short term fixed deposit that avoids the risks of an intervening 'variable' rate change

Workers receiving a larger slice of the ‘economic pie’

Workers are receiving a larger slice of the ‘economic pie,’ with growth in costs moderating and demand remaining soft enough to help ensure these lower costs are passed on

Why gold may be losing its shine as a safe-haven investment

Gold is now firmly established as another investment asset - its role is as part of a diversified portfolio and not as a hedge