Barclays returns to towns where it closed branches two years ago
Barclays has cut its UK branch network dramatically over the past decade. Now it is opening branches again — but the new model reveals how the role of face-to-face banking is changing.
Nick Hossack
Is anyone still working long hours?
Australia's latest labour force figures show unemployment rising to 4.6%. But behind the monthly figures is a structural change in how Australians work: the long working week is becoming increasingly uncommon.
In August, employment increased by 39,500 people. Full-time employment fell by 6,300, while
Why the ACCC blocked IAG's acquisition of RAC Insurance
The ACCC says IAG's proposed acquisition of RAC Insurance would give it up to 65% of WA motor insurance and 60% of home insurance. Here's how the regulator reached its decision and what happens next.
Australia’s manufacturing recovery is concentrated in four industries
Australian manufacturing employment is back above 900,000, but new ABS data show almost nine in every ten net jobs added since 2019 have come from just four manufacturing industries.
Private credit in Australia: What is going on?
Private credit is providing billions in finance outside Australia's banking system. Following a major property-developer collapse, ASIC is escalating its response to weaknesses in fund governance, valuations and risk management.
Immigration and productivity: what Australia’s migrant settlement data reveal
New ABS data reveal substantial differences in employment, education and earnings between Australia's migrant visa categories.
Explainer: Where your $100 petrol fill-up actually goes
Petrol prices begin with crude oil, but that is only the start. Benchmark Analytics traces a $100 fill-up through refining, shipping, wholesale terminals, tax and the service station.
Petrol jumps 14 cents in a week: how the oil shock reaches the bowser
Petrol has jumped 14.3 cents a litre in Australia's major cities. The reason starts in international oil markets — but crude oil is only the first step in the journey to the bowser.
NSW gains migrants from overseas while losing residents interstate
Overseas migration is driving NSW population growth, but the domestic migration flow is going the other way. NSW lost a net 20,818 residents to other states in the year to March 2026.
Retail sales are rising. Retail employment is falling.
Australian retailers generated more income and value added in 2024–25 despite employing 8,000 fewer people. But the productivity story is more complicated than it first appears.
Indigenous Correctional Gap Widens Across Australia
The Indigenous correctional disparity extends well beyond prisons. New ABS data show the age-standardised community-corrections gap has widened sharply since 2017.
Retail Industry: Sales and Margins
A $100 clothing sale leaves a $56 retail margin. A $100 new-car sale leaves just $6.50. New ABS data reveal how dramatically retail economics varies by product.
Australia versus America: two very different manufacturing economies
The US manufacturing sector is larger and structurally deeper than Australia's, particularly in automotive, aerospace and defence. Australia remains strong in food, metals, resources and selected advanced manufacturing niches.