By Priya Raman
Economist by training. Covers central banks, inflation, jobs data and the policy decisions that shape the cycle.
Shell beats Q2 profit estimates on strong trading, keeps $3 billion buyback pace
Shell posted $9.84 billion in adjusted Q2 earnings, topping expectations, as its trading operation cushioned Qatar disruptions. The oil majo
Australian small business sales growth slows as retail and hospitality lag
Australian small business sales grew 6.5% year-on-year in the June quarter, down from 7.9% in March. Mining and utilities led the gains, whi
Commonwealth Bank predicts RBA will hold rates at 4.35% through 2026
Commonwealth Bank of Australia forecasts the RBA will hold its key interest rate at 4.35% in August and keep it there through 2026. The bank
Fusion Startup Commonwealth Raises $1 Billion for Virginia Power Plant
Commonwealth Fusion Systems raised $1 billion in equity to fund its first ARC fusion power plant in Virginia. The startup aims to commercial
Australia's import costs surge 5.7% as oil and fertilizer prices spike
Australia's import prices surged 5.7% in the June quarter, led by a 47% jump in petroleum and a 25% rise in fertilizer costs. The spike foll
PLS Group sells more lithium than it produces, flags softer September quarter
PLS Group sold more lithium than it produced in the June quarter, moving 249,900 tonnes at $2,107 a tonne while output slipped to 214,300 to
Ampol's Lytton refinery margin surges on Strait of Hormuz disruptions
Ampol's Lytton refinery saw its refining margin more than triple in the second quarter, jumping to $30.93 a barrel from $8.71 a year earlier
Three Fed Officials Dissent as Warsh Faces Early Unity Test
Three Federal Reserve officials voted against holding rates steady in July 2026, pushing for a hike instead. The rare early dissent under ne
US natural gas prices linger near three-month low as record output swamps demand
US natural gas futures ticked up but stayed near a three-month low. Record output in the Lower 48 and softer demand from LNG export terminal
Fed Holds Rates Steady at 3.5%-3.75% in Split Vote as Inflation Stays Sticky
The Fed held rates steady at 3.5%-3.75% in a split 9-3 vote. Inflation is still above target, and the decision came amid uncertainty about t
Fed holds rates steady but three officials dissent, pushing for a hike
The Fed held rates at 3.50%-3.75% for a fifth consecutive meeting, but three regional bank presidents dissented, pushing for a quarter-point
Fed holds rates but three officials dissent, signaling inflation worries
The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady, but three officials dissented in favor of a 0.25% hike. The unusual split signals lingering