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 fall further after bond markets crank up the pressure

US stocks fell for a third straight session as higher bond yields, oil-market uncertainty and pressure on technology shares weighed on Wall Street ...
20 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

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

Resolving the Iran conflict is key to reviving confidence in the global economy, but nothing can be taken for granted, says CBA chief economist Luk...
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
Community

‘It’s a miracle I’m still here’: Richard Scolyer rides with Tour de Cure as research pushes forward

Australian of the Year Richard Scolyer joined Tour de Cure in Tasmania, sharing his experience of brain cancer while continuing work shaping new tr...
18 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?

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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?

 

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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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