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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 October 2025, Australian household spending experienced a notable increase of 1.3%, reaching A$78.4 billion. This marks the most substantial monthly rise in nearly two years, as reported by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The surge was primarily driven by heightened expenditures on clothing, electronics, and hospitality services, spurred by year-end sales events. - read more
In a proactive move to address potential risks in the housing market, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a new policy set to take effect in February 2026. This policy will cap the issuance of high debt-to-income (DTI) home loans at 20% of new lending portfolios for authorized institutions. Specifically, loans where the borrower's debt exceeds six times their income will be subject to this limitation. - read more
Recent findings from a national survey conducted by financial comparison site Canstar reveal a concerning trend in Australia's personal debt landscape. While the proportion of Australians holding non-property-related personal debt has decreased, those who do carry such debt are facing higher average amounts. In 2025, the average personal debt has risen to $17,634, up from $15,179 in previous years. - read more
Before considering a loan application, it's crucial to have a clear understanding of your current financial position. Start by noting down all sources of income, including salary, any additional earnings, or government benefits. This will give you a comprehensive view of your financial inflows. - read more
Financial hardship occurs when an individual is unable to meet their financial obligations due to a variety of circumstances. This could stem from a loss of income, unexpected expenses, or rising living costs that outweigh financial resources. - read more
Embarking on a journey towards financial stability begins with the mastery of personal budgeting. It's the cornerstone of sound money management, where every dollar is allocated purposefully, paving the way for a future free from the shackles of financial stress. In this all-important first step, individuals learn the fine art of balancing their earnings with their expenditures, a fundamental skill for anyone looking to navigate their finances with confidence. - read more
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Knowledgebase
Mortgage: A loan in which the borrower (the mortgagor) offers a property and land as security to the lender (the mortgagee) until the loan is repaid. Repayments of the loan are usually made on a monthly basis over a long period of time, typically 25 years.
