Bracing for impact: Can Australia navigate 2026’s economic minefield?

The CommBank View | Resolving the Iran conflict is key to reviving confidence in the global economy, but nothing can be taken for granted, says CBA chief economist Luke Yeaman.

A man walks along the shore as oil tankers and cargo ships line up in the Strait of Hormuz, seen from Khor Fakkan, United Arab Emirates, March 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri, File)

Video features

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has handed down Labor’s fifth federal budget, with new cost-of-living measures, housing initiatives and fresh spending promises. But what does it mean for inflation, interest rates and financial markets?

Australia faces growing pressure to balance its economic ties with China and strategic relationship with the United States. CommBank Economist Madison Cartwright explores trade, critical minerals, supply chain resilience and the future of the global economy.

Meet Ranil Boteju, CommBank’s Chief AI Officer, as he talks about returning to the bank, its approach to artificial intelligence, and why he believes AI will become embedded in everything we do.

Latest news

Business

US stocks rally after bond pressure eases and oil prices fall

Wall Street bounced back as bond yields eased, oil prices fell and technology stocks helped lead the major US indexes higher.
21 May 2026
Economy

Surprise jump in unemployment sharpens RBA’s trade-off

Australia’s unemployment rate jumped in April, adding to signs the labour market is softening.
21 May 2026
Business

Shares bounce on new peace deal hopes, rates expectations

Australia’s stock market has posted its best day since early April, helped by hopes of a Persian Gulf peace deal and shifting interest rate expecta...
21 May 2026
Economy

US–China ties stabilise, but economic risks are building

Stability has returned at the margins of US–China relations, but a deeper rivalry and emerging economic pressures continue to shape the global outl...
20 May 2026
Economy

UN cuts global growth outlook

The United Nations has lowered its 2026 global growth forecast and warned inflation could rise as Middle East tensions push up energy, transport an...
20 May 2026
Economy

Mixed results from first post-budget property auctions

The volume of homes being auctioned across Australia fell in the past week but is still higher than a year ago.
19 May 2026

2026 Federal Budget 

The 2026-27 Budget is one of the most talked-about in recent times. Read Commonwealth Bank's analysis.

A group of young people with their phones. Credit: Adobe Stock

Featured stories

1970s supermarket

Economy
It was invented in the 1960s and is closely linked to the 1970s. So why is the word ‘stagflation’ suddenly making a comeback, and what does it actually mean?

House for sale sign

Economy
Australians have been arguing about negative gearing for forty years, and the 2026-27 federal budget has brought major changes. What’s the deal?

 

ATO booklet

Economy
Capital gains tax (CGT) is back in the news again. What is it, where did it come from, and what has the government announced in the 2026-27 federal budget?

 

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