Money

Workers rush back to their desks over job fears

Published

1 year ago

April 12, 2024

Ahron Young

Workers across Australia are rushing back to their desks, driving office utilisation rates to their highest levels since February 2020.

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays emerge as the busiest in-office days, contrasting with the continued reluctance to return on Fridays.

This insight, drawn from XY Sense data based on 18 enterprise customers in Australia employing approximately 68,000 individuals across 127 buildings, reflects a significant shift in workplace dynamics.

The surge in office attendance coincides with a resurgence in workplace attendance mandates and policies linking physical presence to bonuses and performance reviews.

However, co-founder of XY Sense, Alex Birch, suggests that rising job insecurity, rather than these policies, primarily drives this behavioral shift.

“The pendulum has moved towards the employer, and therefore people feel more obliged to go back into work,” commented Mr. Birch.

Job market

Danielle Wood, chairwoman of the Productivity Commission, anticipates this trend to persist as the job market softens.

She notes a disparity between employer and worker perceptions regarding the productivity benefits of hybrid work arrangements, hinting at potential shifts in the employment landscape.

Meanwhile, economists at the e61 Institute observe a partial reversal of the pandemic-induced “escape to the country” trend.

Rent differentials between regional and capital city dwellings, which narrowed during the pandemic, are now widening again.

This trend suggests a diminishing appeal of remote work options and a return to urban commuting.

Aaron Wong, senior research economist at e61, said the emergence of a “new normal,” characterised by a hybrid lifestyle that blends access to office spaces with proximity to lifestyle amenities such as natural landscapes.

While regional rents decline, rents for homes on the urban fringe surge, reflecting evolving preferences shaped by remote work opportunities.

Money

Trump’s copper tariff shakes global markets

Trump’s 50% copper import tariff aims to strengthen U.S. manufacturing, impacting global supply chains and Chile significantly.

Published

23 hours ago

July 10, 2025

ticker NEWS

Trump’s 50% copper import tariff aims to strengthen U.S. manufacturing, impacting global supply chains and Chile significantly.

President Donald Trump has unveiled plans to impose a 50% tariff on copper imports, a move set to rattle global supply chains and redraw the industrial map.

The tariff will hit within weeks, with Chile, the world’s largest copper exporter, expected to bear the brunt.

While Australia’s direct copper trade with the US is limited, analysts say the real message is strategic: the US is reinforcing its domestic manufacturing power.

#CopperTariff #DonaldTrump #TradeWar #GlobalMarkets #TickerNews

Money

RBA unexpectedly keeps interest rates steady at 3.85%

RBA surprises with decision to maintain interest rates at 3.85%, impacting economic forecasts and housing market activity.

Published

3 days ago

July 8, 2025

Ahron Young

RBA surprises with decision to maintain interest rates at 3.85%, impacting economic forecasts and housing market activity.

In Short:
The Reserve Bank of Australia has kept its cash rate at 3.85% despite concerns from the Housing Industry Association about its impact on new home construction. Although inflation is within target and there’s some market confidence, households are under financial strain amidst economic uncertainties.

The Reserve Bank of Australia has decided to maintain the cash rate at 3.85% following a split vote of six to three. This unexpected decision comes as the Housing Industry Association warns that these rates remain restrictive, potentially hindering new home building.

Senior economist Tom Devitt stated that the rates will delay necessary building activity but noted improved market confidence following previous rate cuts.

Current inflation data shows the RBA’s preferred measure has been declining and remains within the target range. However, household spending is under strain, with Australia experiencing a per capita recession since mid-2022.

Labour costs

The RBA’s decision was influenced by concerns over productivity growth and high unit labour costs, affecting its inflation outlook. While some economists anticipated a rate cut, the RBA opted for caution due to economic uncertainties, both domestically and internationally.

The bank acknowledged gradual recovery in private demand and household incomes but highlighted ongoing challenges in passing cost increases to final prices.

Despite the hold on rates, price rises in essentials like petrol continue to impact Australian households. The RBA emphasized the need for ongoing assessment before making future rate changes, suggesting a careful approach in response to evolving economic conditions.

Money

Feeling the stress this tax season?

Join Dr. Steve Enticott for essential tax tips to avoid costly mistakes this season and maximize deductions for 2025.

Published

3 days ago

July 8, 2025

ticker NEWS

Join Dr. Steve Enticott for essential tax tips to avoid costly mistakes this season and maximise deductions for 2025.

It’s that time of year again, and if you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone.

With so many moving parts, from missed deductions to misplaced receipts, small mistakes can lead to big losses.

Dr Steve Enticott from CIA Tax joins to break down what people forget most, which new deductions to know for 2025, and why a simple checklist can save you money.

#TaxTime #MoneyTips #2025Tax #TaxReturn #TickerNews