Inflation stories
Rising premiums are squeezing buyers and owners alike, with some mortgage deals now falling through as insurance costs climb across the US.
Cheaper ad-supported plans helped lift Australia's subscription entertainment market 5 per cent to 57.6 million services in the year to June 2026.
Builders and developers face tighter margins as the latest Cordell index shows national construction costs climbed 1.0% in the September quarter.
Businesses should prepare for wider currency swings in 2027 as competition for capital makes foreign exchange markets harder to predict.
Developers may face higher project budgets again as JLL expects Singapore tender prices to rise 2.3% to 3.3% in 2027.
More than half of UK employees say they are running short of money each month, and many are now less willing to stay loyal to employers.
Rising oil prices and higher borrowing costs are squeezing retail and housing-linked firms, while mining continues to hold up.
Households and retailers face extra strain after confidence fell 2.7% in November, with mortgage holders hit hardest ahead of Christmas shopping.
Only 39% of adults can cover a surprise £200 to £500 bill from savings, as household finances come under strain ahead of the Autumn Budget.
Mid-sized firms are still planning to lift hiring and investment, despite absorbing an average AUD $6,700 a month rise in running costs.
Small firms could face higher borrowing costs and wage bills after the Budget, according to advisers who said ministers offered too little relief.
Costly customer acquisition is pushing Australian retailers to use AI for better retention and productivity as 2027 growth targets sharpen.
Small employers say they still face the bulk of recruitment and mentoring costs, even after Budget measures aimed at easing apprenticeships and graduate hiring.
Fuel-price pressures helped lift spending, but CreditorWatch said the data still points to softer consumer demand after recent rate rises.
Ratepayers could face poorer roads and water systems if councils are forced to hold increases down, a leading economist says.
Residents face slimmer services and delayed projects as the council tries to stay within a future 2% to 4% rates cap.
Most Australian SMEs expect fuel and utility bills to squeeze margins over the next year, while 73% see the economy weakening.
Mortgage and business borrowing costs have climbed to their highest in 18 years after the Reserve Bank of Australia's 25 basis point move.
Borrowers face higher mortgage costs after the Reserve Bank lifted rates to 4.85%, its highest level in 18 years.
Mortgage repayments are about AUD $600 a month higher for average borrowers after the Reserve Bank lifted rates to 4.85%.