Economy

Local shares slipped backwards on Tuesday, while data showed building approvals fell by 8.8 per cent in March. Catch up on the day's events and insights from our business reporters on the ABC News live markets blog.

America has decided to sever its trading relationship with China — a strategy that ultimately will come at enormous cost. And Australia, more than any other nation, will be caught smack in the middle.

The Australian share market closed at a two-month high after China said it was evaluating multiple approaches by the Trump administration for trade talks. US stocks continued to reclaim ground from their post-tariff losses. But Amazon's shares fell in extended trade. 

The ASX eked out a small gain, as strong rises in the local tech sector were offset by widespread falls in mining and energy. Here's how the day unfolded on the ABC News live markets blog. 

With the world's spotlight on tiny Morwell this week, some struggling businesses are hoping a small influx of media for the mushroom trial will bring a silver lining to an event that has otherwise cast a dark cloud over the town.

The next federal government faces a world with drastic US policy changes, trade disputes, and ongoing wars in Europe and the Middle East. The ABC asked experts what the next Australian prime minister needs to address first to ensure the country is stable, safe and successful.

The major parties are working hard to keep Australian house prices at record highs, but a moderate fall in values may be just what Australia's economy needs in the long-term.

The ASX has closed about 8,000 points for the first time in almost eight weeks after the US commerce secretary says tariffs on some auto part imports will be reduced, easing the impact on American automakers. Catch up on the day's events and insights from our business reporters on the ABC News live markets blog.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers says the federal budget will be about $1 billion better off over four years compared to the March budget.

Queensland tourism officials are harking back to the 1980s with a campaign based on a cover of Madonna's hit Holiday to tempt people back to the state.

As the world watches tariff brinkmanship unfold between the US and China, analysts cast doubt on the US president's claim that the Chinese leader called him.

Australia is joining the European Union and the United States in establishing strategic reserves of critical minerals, but what do they actually do, and why are they so important?

The local share market has closed on a four-week high ahead of the Anzac Day long weekend. Global stocks rallied following the US president apparently softening his stance on China and the Federal Reserve. Catch up on the day's events and insights from our business reporters on the ABC News live markets blog. 

Australian shares rallied after Wall Street regained ground on hopes of a trade war de-escalation. Gold miners fell as the price of the metal plunged from record highs.

From our coffee addiction to a weekend pub tradition, some of the simple pleasures many Australians have taken for granted now feel like luxuries. But if patrons can no longer afford to visit the pubs and cafes we love, there may be something bigger at stake.

Do home owners ever complain when house prices rise? A former prime minister said they didn't, but we're now dealing with the fallout.

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

The Australian share market has closed slightly lower, while shares in Star Entertainment have faced choppy trade after their suspension ended. Nvidia shares fell after-hours on Wall Street.  

Exclusive data shows skyrocketing rents have outpaced income growth in every regional area in Australia and all but one capital city.

Australia's dollar has recovered from last week's heavy losses, and the ASX200 has closed up modestly. Catch up on the day's events and insights from our business reporters on the ABC News live markets blog.