The RBA keeps hiking interest rates – but are the rate rises actually working?
With the cash rate at a 15-year high, consumer confidence has tanked – while household spending is still growing Interest rates have risen to 15-year highs and are pushing up mortgage default risks – but household spending is still growing. Economists say the surprising result shows this year’s four rate hikes have not yet fully hit the economy and may be less effective at fighting inflation than they used to be. If true, that could mean more interest rate rises are on the way.
Read in depth: Business
US diesel costs squeeze freight firms as New Zealand petrol tops NZ$4 a litre
Federal Reserve district accounts describe pressure on US trucking margins and grocery transport costs, while RNZ reports a sharp rise in New Zealand pump prices.
Tesla Roadster flight demonstration sparks memes and regulatory questions
Tesla showed an unoccupied Roadster leaving the ground at a Texas test facility. Online jokes followed, while aviation experts raised questions about operating such a vehicle.
Sources and context
The GuardianSource headline and summary supplied via NewsData.io. First collected by NewsJaws on 2026-10-14. This is an automated news brief, not original NewsJaws reporting. Dates reflect the source publication. Feed delays may apply.