Inflation, AI and geopolitics to again take centre stage in 2026 - The CommBank View

Australia faces the hard task of managing renewed inflation pressures and higher interest rates without stalling growth. 

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Video features

How AI is deployed, and how risks around it are managed, matters. CommBank Newsroom's Michelle Escobar and Chief Behavioural Scientist Will Mailer unpack what Aussies think about AI in banking and responsible practices.

The Reserve Bank of Australia has raised interest rates for the first time since 2023 and signalled another move is on the table. CommBank Head of Australian Economics Belinda Allen unpacks the decision and looks at what could be next.

Latest news

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Artificial intelligence

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5 February 2026
Artificial intelligence

CommBank releases Australian-first report outlining how it is adopting AI

The report explores the Bank’s approach to AI, its journey over the past decade, and practical examples of AI in action across the organisation.
5 February 2026
Economy

Inflation, AI and geopolitics to again take centre stage in 2026

Tariff wars and geopolitical shocks could have broken the global economy in 2025, but they didn’t, write CBA Chief Economist Luke Yeaman.
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Economy

Australia-EU trade deal inches closer amid minerals talks with Germany

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5 February 2026

Newsroom Insights

Insights, explainers and features exploring the economy and the latest financial news.

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Featured stories

Luke Yeaman

RBA: When the facts change, I change my mind. What do you do?

Economy
The RBA Board was right to adopt a patient approach in the initial fight against inflation. But the game has now changed, and quickly, writes Luke Yeaman.

 

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

Economy
CBA economists say structural shifts in China and changing global supply chains are pushing Australian exporters to diversify.

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