Why renters are having a tough time right now

A shortage of homes, rising construction costs and delayed housing projects are making life harder for renters across Australia, but a lift in building approvals and a growing focus on housing delivery offer potential change. 

 

young women moving into a rental apartment. Credit: Adobe Stock

Interest rates sit behind many of the big economic issues people are navigating right now, from housing and rents to savings and everyday spending. CommBank economist Harry Ottley explains.

While global coffee bean prices have begun to ease, cafes across Australia are still navigating higher costs, limiting price relief for customers.

The value of the Australian dollar is often talked about as a headline number, but what moves it up and down? CommBank international economist and currency analyst Samara Hammoud explains.

Latest insights

Economy

What you need to know about Middle East conflict and higher oil prices, even if you don’t own a car

Oil prices can affect everyday Australians far beyond what it costs to fill up your car. Why are they so important to the economy?
10 April 2026
Scams and fraud

Smarter than your boss? Employees more likely than senior managers to spot a scam

New research shows workers are more effective in spotting scams targeting their company.
9 April 2026
Scams and fraud

Warning as impersonation scams become more sophisticated

Australians are being targeted by increasingly sophisticated impersonation scams, with criminals posing as banks, cryptocurrency providers and othe...
31 March 2026
Economy

Geo-economics explained: How global power shapes markets

Markets are often talked about as if they operate separately from politics. But in reality, the global economy is closely shaped by government deci...
20 March 2026
Economy

Air freight under threat from Middle East war

Jet fuel prices are rising as Middle East disruption squeezes refined fuel supply, leaving airlines and air freight operators facing higher costs a...
20 March 2026
Wealth

Alarm as Gen Z turns to 'finfluencers' for money advice

Social media is fuelling riskier financial investments with nearly two out of three young people turning to platforms for advice on their money.
16 March 2026