The RBA shocked markets this week by keeping interest rates on hold at 3.85%, despite widespread expectations for a third cut in five months. That decision left millions of mortgage holders disappointed and raised new questions about the central bank’s strategy as inflation continues to ease.

This week on the podcast, Chris Bourke speaks with economy reporter Swati Pandey about why markets misread the RBA, what Governor Michele Bullock’s signals mean for future moves, and what could prompt the next cut. They also unpack the impact on housing and how global risks like President Trump’s tariff threats are complicating the outlook.

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Australians have enthusiastically embraced rooftop solar panels. Now the government has introduced a A$2.3 billion rebate plan to get more people to install batteries at their homes, to store all of that solar power to smooth out supply at times of peak demand. This week on the podcast, Rebecca Jones talks to energy reporter Keira Wright about why the government wants more batteries, how much people stand to save under the rebate scheme, and what it all means for the country’s power supply.

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Virgin Australia is back on the ASX after a five-year absence, marking the biggest IPO so far this year. Once grounded by the pandemic, the airline is now making money again and flying under new leadership.

This week on the podcast, Rebecca Jones talks to Angus Whitley about the airline’s financial reboot, its rivalry with Qantas, the risks of private equity ownership, and whether this new Virgin can deliver for both investors and travelers.

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The US has announced a review of the Aukus defense deal, casting fresh doubts on whether the country will follow through on its pact with Australia and the UK.

This week on the podcast, Rebecca Jones asks reporter Ben Westcott to explain what’s behind the review and what the potential consequences are for Australia, the Asia Pacific, and China’s increasing presence in the region.

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Many Australians are already subject to a 15% tax on their superannuation profits, but the wealthiest are facing another levy on top of that.

This week on the podcast, Chris Bourke asks cross-asset reporter Richard Henderson to explain how the tax will work, who will be affected, and if Australia’s super system is becoming a wealth accumulation vehicle for the rich.

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Australia scrapped its version of the golden visa last year, after concerns the scheme was being rorted. Meanwhile, New Zealand has just revamped its own system, and is preparing to welcome wealthy expats with open arms.

This week on the podcast, Rebecca Jones speaks to wealth editor Ainsley Thomson in Wellington about why golden visas are making a comeback in some parts of the world and where you can still get one.

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In 2015, Chinese company Landbridge was awarded a 99-year lease over the Port of Darwin. Now, Australia wants to take it back and put it into local hands. This week on the podcast, Rebecca Jones speaks to government reporter Ben Westcott and senior editor Chelsea Mes about why Beijing is speaking out against that decision, and what role the US might play.

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The Reserve Bank of Australia this week cut rates by 25 basis points, for the second time this year, while pulling off a post-Covid economic crisis soft landing for the local economy that few central banks have been able to execute.

This week on the podcast, Rebecca Jones speaks to Bloomberg Economics’ James McIntyre about the outlook for interest rates, how that could be affected by Trump’s tariff war, and what it all means for the housing market.

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