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: Australias growth outlook is trimmed to about 1.9% as the RBA warns supply shocks could be more frequent; Treasury opens consultation on a 30% minimum tax for discretionary trusts from 1 July 2028; an EMDG review urges a move to merit-based grant assessments and possible AI checks; and states refresh 2026 rebates and concessions for households. Takeaways: stress‑test budgets, keep buffers, prepare trust and export‑grant scenarios early, and check your eligibility for support. Visit finance-australia.net for comparisons, free eligibility checks and broker access.
EPISODE 2348 | Finance Australia\'s Weekly Money and Business News | Sun, 12th Jul 2026
16 Jul 2026 | Paige Estritori
00:00:00
00:00:00
1x
Read Full Transcript:
Hello and welcome to Finance Australias Weekly Money and Business News, Im Paige Estritori, and its Sunday 12 July 2026.
First, the economy. The International Monetary Fund, or IMF, trimmed Australias growth outlook to about 1.9% this year, while the Reserve Bank warned supply shocks may be more frequent. That mix means growth is soft, inflation is still sticky, and conditions could stay tight for longer. Households and SMEs should keep a close eye on cash flow, build in buffers, and use calculators to stress‑test repayments before taking on new debt; if youre weighing options, a free eligibility check can help you compare without pressure.
Next up, trusts. Treasury opened consultation on a minimum 30% tax for discretionary trusts slated to start on 1 July 2028, with submissions due by 30 July 2026. Most small businesses wont be affected, but those using family trusts for trading or investments should model scenarios now. If youre considering restructuring or new finance, compare offers side‑by‑side and speak with an independent broker so fees, terms and security requirements are crystal clear.
Meanwhile, exporters take note. A review of the Export Market Development Grant, or EMDG, recommends shifting from “first in, first served” to a merit‑based process and exploring AI‑assisted assessments. If you rely on the grant, start tightening your export plans, metrics and documentation so youre ready for a quality‑focused application round. Our network can help you organise finance options that line up with working‑capital cycles and grant timing.
And for households, fresh relief. New and updated 2026 rebates and concessions across states cover things like energy bills, tolls and school costs; eligibility and amounts vary, and many applications are open now or soon. Its a good week to check what you can claim and to use budgeting tools so any savings go straight to buffers or priority goals.
Thats it for this week. For clear comparisons, free eligibility assessments and access to independent brokers nationwide, head to finance-australia.
et. Im Paige Estritori — thanks for listening, and see you next Sunday.
The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.
In recent years, refinancing has emerged as a popular financial strategy for many Australian homeowners. With the housing market's dynamic nature and fluctuating interest rates, more people are considering the benefits of refinancing their home loans. This trend is not surprising, as refinancing can potentially reduce monthly payments, secure lower interest rates, and assist with debt consolidation. - read more
Personal loans are a type of financing option that individuals can use to fund various personal expenses. Unlike mortgages or car loans, they aren't earmarked for a specific purpose, giving borrowers more flexibility in how they use the funds. These loans are usually unsecured, which means you don’t have to provide collateral to borrow money. - read more
In today’s economy, a good credit score is more than just a number—it's a pivotal element of financial health that can open doors to necessary funding when it's most needed. Whether it's for purchasing a new home, investing in a business, or obtaining personal loans, a robust credit score in Australia is your ticket to favorable interest rates and loan terms. - read more
Xero’s launch of Ultra for Australian businesses is more than a software update. It points to a bigger shift in the way growing small and medium-sized enterprises are expected to manage their finances, report performance and prepare for future funding needs. - read more
Australia’s personal loan market has entered July with a clear message for households and small business owners: the advertised rate is only the starting point. Recent rate tables show a wide gap between the most competitive personal loan offers and the upper end of the market, particularly for unsecured borrowing. That spread matters because two applicants seeking the same loan amount can face very different total repayment outcomes depending on credit profile, product type, fees and loan term. - read more
Judo Bank’s sharp share price fall on 25 June has put a spotlight on the pressure building in parts of Australia’s small business lending market. The ASX-listed specialist lender, known for focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises, saw its shares drop heavily after it disclosed a small group of deteriorating business loans and lifted its expected cost of managing credit risk. - read more
Mortgage: A loan in which the borrower (the mortgagor) offers a property and land as security to the lender (the mortgagee) until the loan is repaid. Repayments of the loan are usually made on a monthly basis over a long period of time, typically 25 years.
