Economic Trends and Indicators

The US and China end high-stakes trade talks on a positive note, with US officials touting a "deal" to reduce the US trade deficit while Chinese officials said the sides had reached an "important consensus".

The US treasury secretary has announced a 90-day pause in so-called "reciprocal" tariffs between the US and China, while the two nations negotiate a longer-term deal. See how events unfolded on our markets blog.

Is Albanese up for it? Does Chalmers have a "passion for bold policy" to indulge? Does the country need it?

A new Lady Gaga album, knee-high Converse and Snooki at the club. According to social media, signs of a recession are everywhere.

Australian shares closed higher on Friday ahead of this weekend's US trade talks with China, while US shares extend recent gains as Donald Trump's administration strikes its first post "Liberation Day" deal. Look back on the day's financial news and insights from our specialist business reporters on our live blog.

Leading economist Professor Ross Garnaut says Labor could seize on its thumping election win to revisit significant reforms such as the carbon price and mining tax.

The ASX dropped 1 per cent as banks and oil stocks were sold off, while the Australian dollar continues to climb to a 5-month high. See how the day unfolded on our business and markets blog.

A flood of imports into the United States ahead of the Trump administration's tariffs have dampened economic growth.

As voters head to the ballot box prepared to cast votes on the issue of housing affordability, new data shows national house prices trended higher in April, and are expected to keep rising as interest rates fall. 

Headline inflation has remained steady but the Reserve Bank's preferred measure of consumer prices has fallen within the RBA's target band for the first time in more than three years.

Economists continue to forecast a rate cut when the Reserve Bank meets in just under three weeks. The US posted a record trade deficit for March ahead of the imposition of tariffs. Here's how the session unfolded on our markets blog.

In Donald Trump's world, deficits are always bad and surpluses are always good. In isolation, it's an easy concept to sell to a deeply divided nation. But it ignores how the US economy has powered its way to global domination.

The ASX closed 0.4 per cent higher. Ratings agency S&P warned election promises may pressure Australia's credit rating. See how the day unfolded on our live blog.

The International Monetary Fund says the US will be hardest hit by its own increased tariffs, which the organisation says is the biggest upheaval to global trade in 80 years.

The ASX clawed back early losses to close flat supported by CBA and gold stocks. See how the day unfolded on our live blog.

The president has placed the head of the US central bank in his sights, floating a move that could cause market chaos and undermine the independence of the Federal Reserve. 

Australia's unemployment rate rose slightly in March, from 4 per cent to 4.1 per cent

Australian shares ended the day higher, as the latest labour force data shows employment increasing by 32,000. Wall Street fell again, as tariff fears continue. 

There's almost no chance the RBA will keep rates on hold in May, but the biggest challenge comes from Donald Trump's erratic behaviour while financial markets have descended into a state of almost constant turmoil.

The ASX rose after Federal Reserve bosses' assurances sparked a Wall Street rally on Friday. Meanwhile China retaliated to tariffs with a rare earths export ban. See how the day unfolded on our live blog.