Australia's response to Iran's aggression escalated as diplomatic action was taken following intelligence linking the Iranian government to anti-Semitic attacks in Sydney and Melbourne, resulting in the expulsion of Iran's ambassador and listing of the Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist group.
Major Australian retailers Coles and Woolworths experienced contrasting financial results, with Coles seeing a surge in shares due to strong sales and value focus, while Woolworths reported a significant profit decline and cut dividends, alongside a profit drop for an iron ore giant despite green energy commitments.
Australia's Reserve Bank is weighing the pace of interest rate cuts based on jobs data, even as expected inflation rises are unlikely to concern it, while the US Federal Reserve faces political turmoil with President Trump's attempt to remove a governor leading to market uncertainty.
Australia and other nations are facing US anti-dumping duties on steel products, while international postal services are in disarray as 25 countries, including Australia Post, suspend goods shipments to the US following a change in US customs tax rules.
Calls for clarity on new environmental laws and divisions within the Coalition on climate targets highlight ongoing policy debates, while a corporate watchdog is focusing on protecting retirees' pensions, and new reports reveal record drowning deaths as the Albanese Government's critical minerals reserve plan remains undisclosed.
Discussions around AI's transformative impact range from its role in shaping "adaptive cities" that prioritize people, to concerns over intellectual property theft by Big Tech companies, prompting artists to brace for widespread disruption.