BUSINESS

The median balance option delivered impressive returns in 2024, and members who invested aggressively in assets like shares saw notable growth in both domestic and international markets, with many options churning out returns of over 10%.

Due to consumer demand and a desire to support the celebration, Woolworths has reversed its decision to discontinue selling Australia Day items.

Customers are advised by the Australian Banking Association (ABA) and Australian Payments Plus (AP+) to upgrade their debit cards in mobile wallets prior to January 1, 2025, in order to prevent any card payment problems.

Young women are twice as likely as males to resign from their jobs as a result of customer abuse, according to a recent survey, underscoring the need for better workplace safety and support.

Australians are expected to spend $3.7 billion in the six days after Christmas, with Boxing Day sales estimated to hit $1.3 billion, despite worries about inflation.

In 2025, most banks anticipate lowering borrowing rates, which will help Australian homeowners. Make the most of these changes by learning how to become ready.

A US government panel failed to reach a consensus on whether US Steel's acquisition by Nippon Steel threatens Washington's national security, shifting the decision to the White House, the Japanese company said late Monday.

Global stocks were mostly higher on Tuesday boosted by a tech rally on Wall Street, but gains remained modest in thin Christmas Eve trade.

The bank said in a statement Tuesday morning that Osko payments were also affected due to the outage. However, cards, ATMs, branch services, and incoming payments remained operational.

According to Andrew Podger, a professor of public policy at ANU, Australia needed to shift its focus towards creating a system that helps older Australians turn their accumulated super savings into reliable incomes, ensuring they can maintain their living standards and manage the financial challenges of old age.

El Salvador will privatize or close the cryptocurrency wallet "Chivo" created by President Nayib Bukele when he made bitcoin legal tender in 2021, an official said Thursday.

Baby boomers and silent generations, who accounted for the majority of the donors, were aging or passing away, which in turn was triggering a behavior among charities to hunt for younger donors to ensure continued impact

Take stock of your financial situation by reviewing these five key areas: short-term debt, family protection (insurance and a will), emergency savings, pension savings, and investment plans. This audit will help you create a solid financial plan.

The Bank of England on Thursday kept its key interest rate at 4.75 percent, deciding against a cut in line with the US Federal Reserve, as UK inflation rises again.

Student loans will now be adjusted annually based on the lower rate between the Wage Price Index (WPI) and the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This modification is effective retroactively for the previous two fiscal years.

Australia's household wealth surged 9.9% to a record $16.9 trillion, driven by rising house prices, strong superannuation growth, and a booming share market.

Stock markets mostly climbed and the dollar steadied against main rivals Wednesday with the US Federal Reserve set to cut interest rates.

The promotional stunt, organized by the Libertarian Party, aimed to protest the government's fuel taxes, which currently added 55 cents per litre to the cost of petrol.

According to Canstar's insights director, Sally Tindall, the cycle of cutting fixed rates appears to have paused for now. However, she suggests that there could be some relief in the new year, with potential rate cuts offering much-needed support to homeowners.

ACCC's warning followed a concerning report from The Salvation Army, which found that 29.9% of Australians "will struggle to pay their rent or mortgage this Christmas." The report also revealed that one in five people has had to skip medical care to afford Christmas expenses.

According to Afterpay's latest "Afterpaid" report, clothing, and fashion items such as crocs, trainers, leggings, and loungewear were flying off the shelves, with red items seeing a 24% jump from 2023.

Individuals affected by this change will be required to switch to electronic payment methods to send foreign currency.

European Central Bank chief Christine Lagarde said Monday eurozone policymakers would keep cutting interest rates and warned that higher US tariffs under President-elect Donald Trump could hit growth in the bloc.

The US Federal Reserve is widely expected to announce a quarter point cut to its key lending rate on Wednesday despite a recent uptick in inflation, in the central bank's last meeting of Joe Biden's presidency.

Based on PropTrack figures, homes priced under AU$600,000 are increasingly difficult to find, and properties under AU$400,000 are nearly disappearing in the country's five largest cities.

According to Finder's latest research, the average Australian plans to spend AU$1,357 on Christmas, which constitutes AU$28.4 billion nationwide. Compared to the average spend of AU$1,479 (AU$30 billion countrywide) in 2023, this indicates an 8% decrease.

AMP's decision comes as the AU$4 trillion retirement savings industry has largely shunned the asset class, citing concerns over its unpredictable nature.

Stock markets diverged Friday as traders were disappointed by China's latest boosts to its beleaguered economy and looked ahead to a key US Federal Reserve meeting next week.

An estimated 5.8 million people are expected to pass through Sydney Airport between Dec. 13 and Jan. 27 -- nearly half a million more than last year.