Finance Australia's Weekly Money and Business News
Each week, we round up the biggest money and business stories across Australia — from rate moves and market shifts to policy updates and consumer trends. Expect clear context, concise takeaways, and what it could mean for households and SMEs. No fluff, no hype — just trustworthy headlines, quick explainers, and signals to watch so you can stay informed and make organised decisions.
This Week:
This week: the RBA held the cash rate on 12 August but kept hikes on the table; proposed trust tax reforms could leave SMEs with large state stamp duty on restructures; a regulator moved to shut a discount retailer over product safety concerns; and a cyber breach at a major retailer highlighted rising operational risk. Practical tips: stress‑test budgets, plan for trust restructures, tighten product safety compliance, and shore up cyber resilience—using free eligibility checks, quote comparisons and calculators at Finance Australia.
EPISODE 2674 | Finance Australia\'s Weekly Money and Business News | Sun, 16th Aug 2026
19 Aug 2026 | Paige Estritori
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Read Full Transcript:
Hello and welcome to Finance Australias Weekly Money and Business News; Im Paige Estritori, and its Sunday, 16 August 2026.
First up, the Reserve Bank of Australia kept the cash rate on hold at about four‑point‑three‑five per cent on 12 August, but warned it could hike again if inflation surprises. The Bank also noted housing momentum has softened. For households and SMEs, treat this pause as breathing room, not the finish line. Sense‑check your budget, run a quick stress test with our calculators, and if youre weighing a refinance or new loan, start with a free eligibility assessment and independent quote comparisons so you know your options before rates move.
Next, proposed trust tax reforms could sting some small businesses with hefty state stamp duty when moving from discretionary trusts into companies. Modelling suggests a restructure involving property could face around five‑hundred‑and‑fifty thousand dollars in duty in Queensland on a ten‑million‑dollar transfer unless states offer relief. If your business uses a trust, dont wait. Map scenarios with your accountant, then use our broker network to compare finance that can help manage costs tied to a restructure.
Meanwhile, product safety is firmly in the spotlight. A state consumer regulator has asked the court to stop a discount retailer trading until it proves compliance, citing unsafe and incorrectly labelled goods. For retailers and importers, this is a reminder to tighten supplier checks and labelling. Keep a cash buffer for recalls, and, if you need to re‑stock compliant inventory quickly, line up flexible funding after a fast, no‑obligation eligibility check.
And a cyber breach at a major furniture chain forced systems offline, with orders temporarily processed by hand while the investigation continues. Cyber incidents are hitting more Aussie firms, and downtime is costly. Back up data, rehearse your response plan, and consider financing essential security upgrades. If a disruption squeezes cash flow, compare short‑term funding options early so youre not making decisions under pressure.
Thats the wrap for this week. For tools, calculators, and a free eligibility assessment with independent brokers, head to finance-australia.
et. Im Paige Estritori—thanks for listening, and Ill catch you next Sunday.
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