Economic News

Australia possesses virtually no domestic residential heating oil market, as space heating is overwhelmingly provided by reverse-cycle electric heat pumps, reticulated natural gas, and wood. However, the CME Heating Oil contract represents the world's most liquid financial benchmark for middle distillates, directly dictating international …

A crude oil benchmark formed in the North Sea reaches deep into the Australian economy. Brent influences the prices received by offshore energy producers and helps shape what local businesses pay for imported transport fuel. The supplied research places October 2026 Brent quotations above …

A price set in the United States can still change the economics of fuel sold in Australia. West Texas Intermediate, or WTI, is traded through the CME NYMEX market, yet its movements resonate through international crude valuations, refinery purchasing decisions and transport costs. The …

When the minutes of the Monetary Policy Board's September meeting were published on 13 October, one line stood out for borrowers trying to read the room: the Board "decided unanimously to raise the cash rate target by 25 basis points to 4.60 per cent." …

Surprise is rarely welcome in monetary policy. When the Monetary Policy Board lifted the cash rate target by 25 basis points to 4.60% on 29 September 2026, it did so with financial markets and forecasters already positioned for the move. The minutes, published on …

Less than two years ago, Australian borrowers were watching the cash rate fall. Today it sits at 4.60%, after the Monetary Policy Board raised it on 29 September 2026 for the fourth time this year. For households that refinanced, budgeted or bought property on …

Ten per cent. That is roughly the share of household disposable income now going to scheduled mortgage repayments, according to the minutes of the Monetary Policy Board's 28–29 September meeting. The minutes say this is around the 2024 peak, the last time Australian households …