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Retailers across the nation are facing a severe 'cost-of-trading crisis' as they grapple with rising overheads, including wages, energy bills, and insurance premiums.
Due to these mounting financial pressures, many businesses have voiced their concerns, calling for government intervention to help stabilize the precarious situation.
A recent study commissioned by the National Retail Association has thrown a spotlight on these pressing challenges, with business owners indicating that such costs are the most significant barriers to their enterprise's success. An alarming number of respondents believe their business's performance may deteriorate, with over half fearing a drop in annual profits compared to the previous year.
Rob Godwin, the National Retail Association Director, is flagging this troubling trend as a 'cost-of-trading crisis' within the sector. He calls upon the federal government to seize the May budget as an opportunity to confront these spiraling expenditures, which also contribute to rising consumer prices, thus exacerbating the overall cost of living.
Godwin singles out the acute difficulties faced by regional and rural operations, which bear the brunt of surging transportation and logistics expenses. He suggests that direct funding support could alleviate some of the financial strain on these businesses, and by extension, help shore up supply chain complexities.
In an effort to contain costs, close to a third of retail firms are reducing their advertising spending, cutting back on strategies geared toward attracting and retaining customers. This withdrawal of investment in growth and marketing initiatives is symptomatic of the wider issues of low confidence within the sector, with potential knock-on effects for broader economic activity, including employment and capital investments.
The façade of operational normalization in the face of such economic headwinds is crumbling as the retail sector's resilience is tested. Godwin emphasizes that a failure to address these issues could lead to harmful repercussions for the Australian economy, especially as retailers reconsider their future investment and hiring strategies in light of uncertain trading conditions.
In a significant move to address the rising cost of living and intergenerational inequality, the Australian government has enacted legislation reducing student loans by 20%. This policy change, effective from June 1, 2025, results in over A$16 billion in debt relief for approximately 3 million Australians. For graduates with an average loan balance of A$27,600, this equates to a reduction of A$5,520. - read more
In a landmark ruling, Australia's Federal Court has imposed a A$20 million fine on RAMS Financial Group, a subsidiary of Westpac, for serious misconduct in its home loan practices. Between June 2019 and April 2023, RAMS engaged in activities such as using falsified payslips to approve loans, dealing with unlicensed mortgage referrers, and failing to maintain proper oversight. - read more
In its third-quarter update for 2025, ANZ Group, Australia's fourth-largest bank by market value, reported a significant rise in customer deposits and net loans and advances. Customer deposits increased by A$19 billion, while net loans and advances saw a 2% uptick. This growth is attributed to the expansion of the bank's home lending business within the domestic retail division. - read more
Embarking on the journey to secure a personal loan can often seem like navigating through a complex financial landscape. Particularly for Australians, where the market is bustling with a multitude of lenders each with their respective criteria and rates, increasing the chances of loan approval is a pursuit that requires insight and preparation. - read more
Pre-approval loans are a preliminary step in the loan approval process. They provide borrowers with a conditional commitment from a lender, indicating the maximum amount they are willing to lend, based on the borrower’s financial situation. - read more
In the dynamic landscape of Australian finance, the emphasis on a robust credit score cannot be overstated. A favourable credit score serves as a gatekeeper to a world of financial opportunities, determining the ease with which individuals can access loans, the interest rates they will be eligible for, and even the prospects of securing a home in an ever-competitive market. As the average mortgage sizes surge to unparalleled heights, the significance of maintaining an advantageous credit profile escalates in tandem. - read more
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Knowledgebase
Bridge Loan: A short-term loan used until a person or company secures permanent financing or removes an existing obligation.
