News

IMF warns inflation risks amid strong jobs market

IMF warns Australian inflation risks stalling; urges government spending cuts and capital gains tax reform to aid disinflation efforts.

Published

1 year ago

December 24, 2024

ticker NEWS

IMF warns Australian inflation risks stalling; urges government spending cuts and capital gains tax reform to aid disinflation efforts.

The International Monetary Fund has issued a warning regarding the Australian economy, highlighting risks that inflation may not decrease as expected.

The organisation noted the strong jobs market and rising public sector demand as contributing factors.

To address these risks, the IMF has called for spending restraint from all levels of government.

In its latest report, the IMF suggested that prolonged high interest rates and significant cuts to government spending might be necessary if inflation fails to meet the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) target of 2 per cent to 3 per cent.

Additionally, the IMF proposed phasing out the 50 per cent capital gains tax discount to reform the tax system and address the structural budget deficit, which is currently impacting tax revenue significantly.

Concerns are rising among analysts about the stagnation of inflation in the US, with recent data showing core inflation rates steady at 2.8 per cent since April.

Though Australia has seen slight reductions in underlying inflation, progress has lagged behind that of other advanced economies.

The IMF noted that Australia’s RBA is one of the last central banks to cut rates, reflecting a later peak in inflation.

Market expectations suggest a possible cash rate cut during the RBA’s April meeting, just before the potential federal election in May.

News

SpaceX expands Starlink with phone plans and satellite tracking ambitions

SpaceX expands Starlink with a mobile device and space tracking, raising concerns over revenue and US government reliance.

Published

4 hours ago

February 6, 2026

Harvey Vargas

SpaceX expands Starlink with a mobile device and space tracking, raising concerns over revenue and US government reliance.

SpaceX is pushing Starlink beyond internet from space, with plans underway for new consumer facing services that could reshape the telecom landscape.

The company is reportedly exploring a Starlink mobile device, positioning it as a potential rival to established smartphone players as it looks to extend its reach from orbit to everyday tech.

Starlink has become SpaceX’s financial powerhouse, generating an estimated $8 billion in revenue last year, with fresh trademark and patent filings signalling even more ambitious expansion ahead.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

News

Oil prices surge as U.S.-Iran tensions escalate

Published

23 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Crude oil prices jumped over 3% on Wednesday as U.S.-Iran nuclear talks showed signs of faltering, pushing WTI futures above $65 per barrel. Axios reported disagreements over the venue and scope of Friday’s talks, while President Trump warned Iran’s supreme leader to “be very worried,” stoking fears of military escalation.

Tensions in the Persian Gulf added to the volatility. A U.S. F-35C shot down an Iranian drone near the USS Abraham Lincoln, and Iranian vessels threatened a U.S.-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. The USS McFaul escorted the tanker to safety, highlighting the region’s fragile oil supply routes.

Despite the clashes, nuclear talks will go ahead on Friday in Oman, but uncertainty continues to drive oil market volatility, with traders closely watching both diplomatic and military developments.

#OilPrices #IranUS #NuclearTalks #PersianGulf #WTI #EnergyMarket #Geopolitics #OilSupply

News

Washington Post layoffs: Hundreds of journalists cut as Bezos faces criticism

Published

1 day ago

February 5, 2026

Harvey Vargas

The Washington Post has laid off hundreds of employees, marking what former executive editor Martin Baron calls “one of the darkest days” in the paper’s history. Approximately one-third of the newsroom staff were affected, as the company undertakes a so-called “strategic reset” to compete in a crowded media landscape.

The cuts hit key areas, including the sports desk, local coverage, international reporting, the books desk, and the flagship daily news podcast. Editor-in-Chief Matt Murray said the changes aim to prioritise national security, politics, science, health, technology, climate, and business coverage while positioning the Post for the future.

Critics have called out owner Jeff Bezos for his silence during the layoffs and alleged efforts to influence the paper’s political stance. Former editor Baron warned that the newspaper’s ambitions would be sharply diminished and its credibility could suffer.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker