Wayne Cole

Australian retail sales posted a solid rise in real terms last quarter even as swelling prices ate up more of the consumer dollar, though there are signs that higher borrowing costs are finally turning the tide on spending.

Australia's central bank on Tuesday raised interest rates for a fourth month running, but tempered guidance on further hikes as it forecast faster inflation but also a slowdown in the economy.

Asian share markets got off to a slow start on Monday as disappointing Chinese economic data fed doubts last week's rally on Wall Street could be sustained in the face of determined policy tightening by global central banks.

Asian shares were sluggish on Monday as disappointing Chinese economic data fed doubts Wall Street's rally could be sustained, while the dollar continued its retreat on the yen as speculators were forced out of suddenly unprofitable short positions.

Australian home prices slid for a third month in July and the pace quickened as Sydney suffered its worst decline in almost 40 years amid rising borrowing costs and a cost-of-living crisis.

Australian retail sales edged higher in June but missed market forecasts for the first time in several months, a sign soaring inflation and rising interest rates may be finally curbing consumer demand.

Asian shares made guarded gains on Thursday as investors scented a possible slowdown in the pace of U.S.

Asian shares made cautious gains on Thursday as investors scented a possible slowdown in the pace of U.S. rate hikes, lowering bond yields and restraining the dollar.

Asian shares made cautious gains on Thursday as investors scented a possible slowdown in the pace of U.S.

Australian inflation sped to a 21-year high last quarter and is likely to accelerate even further as food and energy costs explode, stoking speculation interest rates will need to more than double to bring the outbreak under control.

Australia's top central banker on Wednesday indicated a steady drum beat of interest rate rises were needed to stop a damaging inflationary cycle developing, and suggested rates could at least double from current low levels.

Asian shares inched higher on Monday following a much-needed bounce on Wall Street, but nerves are stretched ahead of a near-certain rate hike in Europe and another round of corporate earnings reports.

Asian shares inched higher on Monday following a much-needed bounce on Wall Street, but nerves are stretched ahead of a near-certain interest rate hike in Europe and another round of corporate earnings reports.

Asian share markets rallied on Monday following a much-needed bounce on Wall Street, though nerves were stretched ahead of a near-certain interest rate hike in Europe and another round of corporate earnings reports.

Australia's unemployment rate dived to a 48-year low in June as hiring outstripped all expectations, while record vacancies suggested the labour market was set to tighten yet further and perhaps justify even larger increases in interest rates.

A measure of Australian business confidence slid in June as rising costs and worries about consumer spending slugged the retail sector, though most firms reported actual activity was holding up well so far.

Caution gripped share markets on Monday as investors braced for a U.S.

Asian shares were mostly under water on Monday as investors braced for a U.S.

Asian shares started cautiously on Monday as investors braced for a U.S.

Global share markets started in haphazard fashion on Monday as soft U.S.

Asian share markets started cautiously on Monday as a run of soft U.S.

Global share markets wavered on Monday as a run of soft U.S.

Australian home prices slipped for a second month in June as once red-hot markets in Sydney and Melbourne felt the chill from rising interest rates and a cost-of-living crunch.

Asian shares were ending a rough quarter in a sombre mood on Thursday amid fears central banks' cure for inflation will end up sickening the global economy, though it is proving to be a fillip for the safe-haven dollar and government bonds.

Asian shares were ending a rough quarter in a sombre mood on Thursday amid fears central banks' cure for inflation will end up sickening the global economy, though it is proving to be a fillip for the safe-haven dollar and government bonds.

Australia's top central banker on Tuesday flagged a lot more policy tightening ahead as rates were still "very low" and it was important that higher inflation did not feed into public expectations and wage claims.

Australia's central bank said on Tuesday its pandemic stimulus programme to keep short-term bond yields low was successful for much of its life but the exit was disorderly and caused the bank some "reputational damage."

Asian shares were unable to sustain a rare rally on Monday as Wall Street futures shed early gains amid worries the U.S.

Asian shares were trying to sustain a rare rally on Monday as Wall Street futures made early gains, perhaps hoping a U.S.