Vidhya CK

Funds in the accumulation phase are taxed at 15% on investment earnings, while those in the retirement phase are tax-free.

Analysts predict that XRP could reach between AU$16.07 ($10) and AU$24.10 ($15) in 2025, depending on how quickly regulatory issues are resolved and how Ripple capitalizes on its expanding global payment network.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) report released on Wednesday, the annual trimmed mean measure of consumer prices, which excludes volatile items, rose by 3.2% in the three months to December, just below the forecasted 3.3%.

A quick scroll through TikTok reveals a growing number of videos from younger workers who have quit what they label "toxic" jobs. These videos often highlight feelings of dissatisfaction, while some document the exact moments leading up to their resignation.

ATO recently revealed that 178 Australians under 30 reported superannuation balances exceeding AU$2 million in the 2021-2022 financial year, despite taxable incomes starting at just AU$18,200.

Shares of AI-focused companies like Appen, a software firm, and Brainchip, an AI chipmaker, saw significant drops. Appen fell by 3.3%, while Brainchip dropped by 10.3%.

"If the trimmed mean inflation rate cools in line with our expectations it will be very hard for the RBA not to cut rates at its February meeting," AMP chief economist Shane Oliver said.

The rapid success of DeepSeek has particularly piqued interest due to two main factors: cost-effectiveness and the ability to operate on lower-capability chips, which contrasts with the high resource demands of many leading AI systems.

According to Chant West's senior investment research manager, Mano Mohankumar, the key driver of strong performance in 2024 was the international stock markets.

Supermarket giant Coles axed its unpopular Special Burger Sauce Hot Cross Buns, replacing it with a sweeter, limited-edition Hot Cross Bun, drawing inspiration from the iconic Wagon Wheels biscuit.

Putricia, whose scientific name is Amorphophallus titanum, began showing signs of its impending bloom about a week and a half ago, culminating in its full unfurling on Thursday.

The closure, which will result in the loss of 650 jobs, marks the latest chapter in the company's ongoing financial struggles.

The new changes also come with an increase in point requirements for reward seat redemptions and higher fees. From August 2025, frequent flyer members will need to use more points to book both domestic and international reward flights, as well as upgrades.

Mayor Nick Smith of Nelson, the city where famed physicist Sir Ernest Rutherford was born and raised, planned to invite U.S. ambassador to visit the Rutherford memorial.

Macquarie, Australia's fifth-largest lender, will now offer a one-year fixed rate of 5.55% for owner-occupiers paying principal and interest, provided they have at least a 30% deposit.

"Capital city prices have increased substantially, making them less accessible for many buyers – in contrast, regional markets remain relatively affordable, which has kept demand metrics stronger there," Cameron Kusher, PropTrack's Director of Economic Research said.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers dismissed Coalition's announcement as "not a serious policy proposal," but stopped short of ruling out matching the commitment once more details emerge.

The bank revealed on Monday that 14 branches will close between Feb. 7 and 27 in Queensland, Western Australia, New South Wales, and Victoria, in addition to the two closures already scheduled for next month.

For small businesses, success often comes down to balancing many different tasks, like managing customers, employees, and suppliers. Given the economic challenges over the past year, it's no surprise that many Australian SMBs have felt the pressure on their cash flow, according to Rebecca Warren, Executive General Manager of Small Business Banking at CBA.

Shorten, who is set to become vice-chancellor at the University of Canberra in February, denied that his early resignation was aimed at clearing the decks ahead of the election. "That is not the case," he said when asked about the timing.

Global disasters, like the devastating Californian wildfires, could also affect premiums in Australia.

With prices continuing to climb, some are turning their attention to the possibility of boosting local coffee production to cushion the market. However, industry insiders say that this will be a slow process.

In a TikTok video posted on Tuesday, Todd Springthorpe, managing director of UGG Since 1974, explained that the company had been sued by Deckers Outdoor Corporation, a U.S.-based footwear giant.

Healthcare costs are becoming harder to bear, especially in Tasmania (AU$54.26), the ACT (AU$51.84), and NSW (AU$44.05), where out-of-pocket GP visit fees are among the highest in the country.

Since the introduction of the AU$60 weekly toll cap in January 2024, nearly AU$75 million has already been refunded to drivers.

Fast-food chains, like McDonald's, have also been impacted, with the popular breakfast menu trimmed back due to the shortage.

Downslope winds, which sweep over mountain ranges, are often dry, warm, and fast-moving, making fires spread quickly. In Australia, these winds have fueled fires into suburbs, and the same conditions exist in many areas.

AMP Chief Economist Shane Oliver attributed the slowdown in the housing boom to high prices and limited housing supply.

Financial expert Rebecca Pike pointed out that salary sharing was a rising trend, especially among Gen Z, adding that social media had made it more common to discuss personal finances.