AustraliaEconomy

The Australian Bureau of Statistics has reported that the consumer price index rose 3.8% in the 12 months to December 2025.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrived in East Timor on Jan. 28, marking his first official visit as leader to the strategic northern neighbour.

New Zealand's inflation climbed above the Reserve Bank of New Zealand's 1–3% target range in the fourth quarter.

The gender pay gap for hourly earnings narrowed to 8.4% in May 2025, according to the latest detailed earnings data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Australia's unemployment rate fell to 4.1% in December 2025, seasonally adjusted, as employment rose by 65,000 people.

Treasury has revised future spending pressures up by $47.8 billion, driven by faster growth in major social programs.

The OECD has warned that universal subsidies risk worsening long-term budget sustainability, and are often used by higher-income households.

A powerful labour market surprise has pushed the Australian dollar to a 16-month high near US68.10c, forcing investors to rethink the path for interest rates.

Japan’s bond market has been sliding all week, with the 10-year yield now near 2.37% and the 40-year pushing above 4.2%, both multi-decade highs.

Trump has announced fresh tariffs on major European economies, explicitly tying them to his push to gain control of Greenland.

Household spending in Australia remained robust in November 2025, rising 1% from the previous month, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reported.

Western Australia is poised to maintain its position as Australia's fastest-growing state for the next four decades, even as overall population growth slows nationally, according to the 2025 Population Statement.

Australia's new vehicle market sold 1,209,808 units in 2025, highlighting the sector’s resilience amid evolving consumer preferences.