Economic News

Christopher Kent, Assistant Governor (Financial Markets), spoke at the Commonwealth Bank's Global Markets Conference in Sydney on 19 October 2026. In a fireside chat with Belinda Allen of the Commonwealth Bank, he said the cash-flow channel receives the most attention but is not the …

Ellis Connolly, Head of Payments Policy Department at the RBA, spoke at the AFIA Conference in Sydney on 20 October 2026, in a fireside chat moderated by Diane Tate. He said interchange reductions for domestic cards took effect on 1 October, with adjustments for …

The interview, with Adam Hegarty, was recorded on 21 October 2026 and broadcast on 25 October. Hunter said the Board has made four rate rises this year. She said: "We know that higher interest rates will bring inflation down, but it's just really tough."

Brad Jones, Assistant Governor (Financial System), spoke on a panel at the AFR Super andWealthSummit in Melbourne on 26 October 2026, moderated by James Thompson. The transcript records only his remarks and the moderator's questions.

Source:TradingView chart, 27 October 2026

On 23 October 2026, the United States designated helium a critical material, citing its role in semiconductor manufacturing and exposure to international supply disruptions. The move illustrates how industrial security now extends beyond battery minerals to specialist inputs used in electronics, medical equipment and …

The IMF’s October 2026 World Economic Outlook projects global growth of 3.1% in 2026 and 3.4% in 2027, with near-term inflation estimated at 4.7% in 2026. The assessment, released on 13 October, identifies elevated food and energy prices as major pressures, particularly for energy-importing …