Patrick Commins Economics editor, Author at OmegazePrime News

September 9, 2026 Patrick Commins Economics editor

The RBA hoped this year’s three interest rate rises would tame inflation – but nothing is going their way

The breakdown of the US-Iran ceasefire, rising oil prices and the explosion in data centre investment are making the central bank’s task harderFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news pod…

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September 7, 2026 Patrick Commins Economics editor

Record strength El Niño could mean bigger supermarket bills for Australians, experts warn

Predicted hot and dry weather in growing areas in eastern Australia identified as ‘one of the key issues’ that will affect food prices over next 12 monthsGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe most severe El Niño weather event o…

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September 2, 2026 Patrick Commins Economics editor

We’re purchasing EVs instead of holidaying in Europe – and what else we learned from Australia’s national accounts

ABS’s snapshot of Australia’s accounts shows economic growth – albeit low – in the face ‘challenging international circumstances’Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe Australian Bureau of Statistics released its latest set of n…

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September 1, 2026 Patrick Commins Economics editor

House prices head for historic 10% drop as fourth interest rate hike looms

Cotality data reveals property prices are now falling in more than 90% of Australian suburbs, while analysts expect market downturn to continueGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe prospect of the steepest property market downt…

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August 26, 2026 Patrick Commins Economics editor

Fears grow for fourth rate hike after Australia sees higher-than-expected July inflation

Bureau of Statistics says CPI was 3.5% in July, casting doubt on Reserve Bank meeting its 2.5% inflation target without further hikeFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastFears a…

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August 14, 2026 Patrick Commins Economics editor

Morrison-era GST deal with WA a multi-billion dollar mistake that should be reversed, Productivity Commission finds

Interim report calls for carve-up deal that has only benefited Western Australia to be ‘reshaped’ as it has achieved almost none of its objectivesFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news …

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August 11, 2026 Patrick Commins Economics editor

The RBA likely believes it won’t need to hike rates again – but the worst thing it could do is say that out loud

When it comes to the Reserve Bank, there’s a whiff of a parent making a threat they have no intention of carrying outGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastEvery parent makes threats in an effort to get their kids to behave – and ev…

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August 10, 2026 Patrick Commins Economics editor

Australia’s falling house prices are actually a good thing for mortgage holders. Here’s why

The RBA’s governor, Michele Bullock, has made it clear that the ‘easing’ property market is on her mindGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastIt’s the silver lining that’s not making headlines: falling home prices means another Rese…