Jonathan Barrett

Sydney

Senior Business Reporter at The Guardian Australia

Guardian Australia - senior business reporter

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Articles

China has a stranglehold on the world’s rare-earths supply chain. Can Australia break it?

1 day ago | theguardian.com | Jonathan Barrett

Weeks after China retaliated against Donald Trump’s tariffs by suspending exports of a range of rare-earth elements and related high-powered magnets, Ford was forced to pause a production line in Chicago. Days later, executives from other major carmakers, including General Motors and Toyota, told the White House their suppliers faced an impending shortage of necessary materials that could shut assembly lines.
RBA ready to use rapid-fire rate cuts if Trump policies rattle Australia’s economy, minutes reveal

4 days ago | theguardian.com | Jonathan Barrett |Luca Ittimani

The Reserve Bank of Australia is prepared to “respond decisively” to any deterioration in the global economy, paving the way for rapid-fire cash rate cuts if Donald Trump’s tariffs spark further market upheaval. The 20 May RBA meeting minutes, released on Tuesday, show the rate-setting board discussed implementing a bumper 50 basis point cut last month.
‘It’s a shock’: if you think Adelaide housing is affordable, think again

1 week ago | theguardian.com | Luca Ittimani |Jonathan Barrett

When people think of Adelaide, they may ponder its good food and wine or its many churches. Historically, it was viewed as a well-priced place to live and work. But years of surging property prices have made it less affordable than some of the world’s most famous cities, including London and New York, when income levels are factored into living costs. Even those with a front row seat to the change have trouble comprehending it.
The fall of Healthscope: bad luck, bad decisions, or is Australia’s private health model sick?

1 week ago | theguardian.com | Jonathan Barrett |Natasha May

Investing in hospitals is viewed as a safe bet. People regularly get sick and the population ages. Australian private hospitals have the added advantage of being backed by a government-supported private healthcare system. But on Monday, a huge private equity-backed hospital deal officially soured, sending Healthscope into the hands of receivers, and raising questions over whether Australia’s private healthcare system needs to be overhauled.
Private hospital giant Healthscope falls into receivership after lenders withdraw support

1 week ago | theguardian.com | Jonathan Barrett

The indebted private healthcare provider Healthscope, operator of Sydney’s embattled Northern Beaches hospital, has fallen into receivership after its lenders withdrew support. Healthscope, backed by global investment firm Brookfield, had been renegotiating its finances with lenders after accruing $1.6bn in debt and defaulting on various lease payments.
Savers is a thrift store - and we’re in a cost-of-living crisis. So why is the US chain dividing Australian shoppers?

1 week ago | theguardian.com | Catie McLeod |Jonathan Barrett

Thrifting was made for times like these. A prolonged period of high living costs and consumer pushback against the excesses of fast fashion has led to soaring interest in buying secondhand clothes and pre-owned homewares. Big business is tapping into the trend, drawing mixed reactions from thrifters accustomed to spending their money at charitable op shops.
RBA interest rates announcement: Reserve Bank cuts official cash rate to 3.85%

2 weeks ago | theguardian.com | Jonathan Barrett |Luca Ittimani

The Reserve Bank has cut the cash rate by a quarter point to 3.85%, easing pressure on mortgage holders grappling with high living costs and elevated interest repayments. Economists view the RBA decision as a sign that Australia’s central bankers believe inflation is being tamed and that there is no longer a need for a borrowing rate over 4% to constrain households.
Reserve Bank tipped to cut cash rate amid growing confidence Australia’s inflation is being tamed

2 weeks ago | theguardian.com | Jonathan Barrett |Luca Ittimani

The Reserve Bank is expected to cut the cash rate on Tuesday, easing pressure on indebted households grappling with high living costs and elevated mortgage repayments. Market pricing implies a 95% chance the level will fall by a quarter point to 3.85%, amid growing confidence that inflation is being tamed.
Not lovin’ it: Australians enticed by premium rivals as McDonald’s records rare fall in sales

3 weeks ago | theguardian.com | Jonathan Barrett

McDonald’s has recorded a rare, global decline in sales, as price-sensitive customers curb spending at the fast food giant. In Australia, the chain is also under pressure from a host of new rivals, with consumers swapping their traditional burger and fries for a burrito or charcoal chicken pack. The change in buying habits is raising questions over whether customers can still find a convenient, well-priced meal at McDonald’s after a series of menu price increases.
Woolworths is cutting prices from today. Expect more supermarket competition - but not an all-out price war

3 weeks ago | theguardian.com | Jonathan Barrett

Woolworths is cutting prices on hundreds of products from Wednesday, raising hopes the supermarket sector is entering a new period of intensifying competition, colloquially known as a price war. But after a bruising period for the supermarket sector, marked by allegations of price-gouging during a cost-of-living crisis, shoppers may be sceptical of seeing any relief. Is the era of fast-rising grocery prices and supercharged supermarket profits really coming to an end?

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Jonathan Barrett @barrett_ink

27 Jun 24

RT @EliasVisontay: Sydney cafe John Montagu is known for its sandwiches. Its 12-hour beef cheeks sanga is the stuff of legend. After a deca…

Jonathan Barrett @barrett_ink

13 Apr 24

RT @GuardianAus: Australians dropping fruit and vegetables from diet amid cost of living crisis https://t.co/JaJy6o6QxV

Jonathan Barrett @barrett_ink

4 Apr 24

'The no discretion argument is familiar because it is routinely sent to media outlets by the ATO to defend the scheme & included in its official media holding lines.' https://t.co/7XTk6zE7z9

Jonathan Barrett

Articles

China has a stranglehold on the world’s rare-earths supply chain. Can Australia break it?

RBA ready to use rapid-fire rate cuts if Trump policies rattle Australia’s economy, minutes reveal

‘It’s a shock’: if you think Adelaide housing is affordable, think again

The fall of Healthscope: bad luck, bad decisions, or is Australia’s private health model sick?

Private hospital giant Healthscope falls into receivership after lenders withdraw support

Savers is a thrift store - and we’re in a cost-of-living crisis. So why is the US chain dividing Australian shoppers?

RBA interest rates announcement: Reserve Bank cuts official cash rate to 3.85%

Reserve Bank tipped to cut cash rate amid growing confidence Australia’s inflation is being tamed

Not lovin’ it: Australians enticed by premium rivals as McDonald’s records rare fall in sales

Woolworths is cutting prices from today. Expect more supermarket competition - but not an all-out price war

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