Board of Taxation to Reduce Tax Red Tape

Announced in September and launched on 24 October, the review forms part of the government’s broader strategy to streamline regulation, lift productivity, and support business efficiency. Treasurer Jim Chalmers has tasked the Board with identifying practical, measurable opportunities to cut unnecessary tax-related red tape. The review will focus specifically on…

Markets Surge as Bank and Mining Stocks Lead Gains

The S&P/ASX 200 climbed 1 per cent to close at 8990.90, marking its second consecutive day of growth. The financial sector was a standout performer, led by the big four banks. Commonwealth Bank rose 1.5 per cent after its chair confirmed long-term leadership stability, a factor that typically reassures investors…

Unemployment Rate Improves in July

The jobs market saw a net increase of nearly 25,000 positions, driven by a surge of 60,000 full-time roles. Female workforce participation reached a record high, with 40,000 additional full-time female workers, while overall participation held steady at 67 per cent. The headline result was broadly in line with forecasts…

Share Market Slips as Investors Take a Breath

The S&PASX 200 fell 17.3 points, or 0.2 per cent and the broader All Ordinaries Index also slipped 0.2 per cent. Six out of the 11 industry sectors ended the day in negative territory. Despite the overall decline, the Australian dollar strengthened, buoyed by a larger-than-expected trade surplus. It climbed…

Australians Spent Much More Than Expected in June

Despite the ongoing cost-of-living pressures, retail sales surged by 1.2 per cent. This was a stark contrast to the modest rises of 0.5 per cent in May, signalling a notable shift in spending behaviour. Australians were snapping up discounted clothing, footwear, and household goods, leading to higher-than-expected sales figures across…

Foreign Students Not to Blame for Rising Rents

Despite a surge in international student arrivals in recent years, the RBA’s latest Bulletin finds their overall impact on rental markets and inflationary pressures has been modest. The report examines how foreign student numbers shifted during and after the pandemic, noting a sharp decline in 2020–21 when Australia’s borders were…

10 Core Functions of an Integrated Accounting Firm

Author: Clarity Street At Clarity Street, we believe that a firm’s tech stack should not just be a collection of tools — it should be a strategically aligned ecosystem. One that empowers teams to work smarter, not harder, by reducing friction, improving visibility, and delivering a better client experience at every…

Interest Rate Cut Likely After Unemployment Rises

The jobless rate rose to 4.3 per cent, marking a notable shift from the near-record lows observed since the pandemic recovery. The latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) revealed a net employment increase of 2,000 positions in June. Part-time roles grew by 40,000 and full-time employment by…

Gold and Real Estate Stocks Slide Amid Tensions

Investor sentiment was shaken by the Reserve Bank of Australia’s unexpected decision to keep interest rates on hold, as well as escalating trade tensions led by the United States. The S&P/ASX 200 index slipped by 52.10 points, ending the session at 8538.6. Real estate stocks declined by 1.7 per cent,…

ASX at Record High on Interest Rate Cut Optimism

This came after softer-than-anticipated retail sales data suggested consumers are still holding back on spending. This added pressure on the central bank to take further action to support economic momentum.  The S&P/ASX 200 rose by 56.6 points, or 0.7 per cent, finishing the day at 8597.70. This figure was a…