Australia

The Reserve Bank of Australia is widely expected to raise the cash rate to 4.6% at its upcoming board meeting, which would take borrowing costs to their highest level since 2011. The Guardian reports markets and economists are bracing for the hike, with homeowners facing further pressure on mortgage repayments as the bank continues its fight against persistent inflation.

Australia's central bank is expected to begin raising interest rates again, with its patience over stubborn price pressures wearing thin. Bloomberg reports the Reserve Bank of Australia is set to resume tightening, signalling that inflation has proved more persistent than policymakers wanted and that further increases to the key rate are on the table.

Markets and analysts widely expect the Reserve Bank of Australia to raise interest rates by 25 basis points at its September meeting, according to a Yahoo Finance Australia preview. Attention is focused on growing inflation risks, with the outcome seen as a key signal for Australian borrowers, mortgages and the broader economy.

The Reserve Bank of Australia meets for the sixth time this year, with economists and financial markets broadly expecting another interest rate rise. The key question now is how many further increases could follow as the bank works to bring inflation down. Borrowers are watching closely, with each rise adding pressure to mortgages and household budgets across Australia.

Australia's Labor party is defending its response to a data breach, with a party figure describing its actions as 'the right thing'. The comments come amid scrutiny of how the breach was handled and what information was affected. Details about the scale of the breach and who was responsible have not been made clear in available reporting.

Older Australians are working longer and postponing retirement, with commentators describing the country's retirement system as unfit for a population that is both living and working longer. Rising living costs and inadequate savings are said to be forcing many to stay in the workforce beyond the traditional retirement age, prompting calls for reform of superannuation and retirement income policy.

Chinese automaker BYD is investigating a reported cybersecurity vulnerability in its Shark 6 plug-in hybrid ute, while defending the data-handling safeguards it has in place for Australian customers. The issue has raised questions about how connected vehicles from Chinese manufacturers collect and protect user data, a growing concern as BYD rapidly expands in the Australian market.

Jefferies has named its preferred internet stock in Australia, according to an Investing.com report. The brokerage's pick gives investors a read on which listed Australian internet company it sees as best positioned. Details of the chosen stock and the reasoning behind the call were not included in the headline cited, and market reaction has not yet been reported.

The Lowy Institute argues that artificial intelligence needs reliable trust mechanisms, and that Australia is well placed to provide independent verification of AI systems. The piece suggests Australia could play a role in building international confidence in AI, drawing on its reputation and expertise. The article is generating attention in foreign policy and technology circles.