I am philosophically opposed to taxpayers providing subsidies for private car transportation. Most of these subsidies flow to higher-income earners. Therefore, these subsidies serve as a prime example of the reverse Robin Hood phenomenon, where the rich benefit at the expense of the poor. Electric vehicle (EV) subsidies are exceptionally costly and egregious. The Fringe
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released data on permanent and long-term arrivals for the month of April. There were 1,119,910 permanent and long-term arrivals in the year to April, offset by 679,580 departures, with both tracking at close to a record high. As a result, there were 440,330 net permanent and long-term arrivals in
By Belinda Allen, Senior Economist at CBA The CommBank Household Spending Insights index lifted by 0.5% in May after a flat outcome in April. The data shows some green shoots, but overall the pace of consumer spending is slower than expected in 2025 Business and consumer sentiment surveys were on the disappointing side. The May
Last weekend, it appeared as if Sydney’s housing market may be faltering after the preliminary clearance rate fell to 55.9%, which was the lowest preliminary result this year. Sydney’s final auction clearance rate subsequently fell to 58.1%, the lowest result this year. The big caveat was that last weekend’s result was impacted by the King’s
DXY breaking down during Middle East war is about as clear a signal as any that something big has changed. It still couldn’t save AUD. Lead boots march on. The new safe haven. Metals no bueno. Miners suck the big one. EM meh. Junk loves WWIII. Yields up with oil, instead down with safe haven.
International Reading: Trump to Dismantle FEMA After 2025: Let the States Handle It – Atlas News French drivers sue Tesla claiming Musk turned cars into ‘extreme-Right’ symbol: Tesla owners in France have filed a lawsuit against Elon Musk – IBC Canadian Boycott Of U.S. Travel Is Going Stronger Than Ever, New Data Says – Forbes
The Israeli war on Iran has dominated the final session of the trading week here in Asia with all share markets finishing in the red, with a very small bid towards the USD for a safe haven bid, except gold. The Australian dollar was also finally pushed back below the 65 cent level in the
Australia’s cafe industry is on the verge of collapse. Over the past two decades, there has been an explosion in the number of cafes operating across Australia. IBIS World estimates that more than 27,000 cafes are operating in Australia, employing 139,000 people. Competition is intense, with multiple cafes often operating at the same locations. However,
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has cut the official cash rate by 2.25% to 3.25% over the past nine months. The rapid monetary easing was in response to a sharp decline in GDP and national income: New Zealand’s unemployment rate also shot up to 5.1% as of Q1 2025: The latest batch of data
The Victorian government has set a delusional target to deliver 95% renewable energy by 2035. These targets are legislated in the Renewable Energy (Jobs and Investment) Act 2017 (Vic), namely: 25% by 2020 (achieved) 40% by 2025 65% by 2030 (previously 50%) 95% by 2035 (new). Victoria’s renewable energy targets overlook the reality that wind