Page 19 - Michael Read News Today

Plans for a former agricultural barn to be used for storage and distribution near a Hampshire village have been permitted, despite local objections.

This week in The Fin podcast, economics correspondent Michael Read on Reserve Bank of Australia governor Michele Bullock and whether rates have peaked.

WATCH LIVE: RBA governor Philip Lowe fronts a parliamentary committee; Lowe says Australian banks are delivering returns on equity in line with those of overseas institutions. Follow updates here.

Shares are set for a muted open. Boral improves under new chief executive; AGL hit by writedowns. QBE pushes through more premium hikes. Follow updates here.

CBA boss Matt Comyn shoots down suggestions higher taxes on bank profits would be beneficial for the economy; Daniel Andrews labels VicForests’ use of taxpayer money to spy on activists as “inappropriate”. Follow updates here.

At a time when retail is under such pressure from the impact of 12 rate rises and inflated business costs, one Australian brand in that space has been valued at a cool $1.75 billion!

The Greens say strong corporate profits underscore the need for federal action on surging rents; Ed Husic claims Woodside’s sale of a $760m stake in a WA gas project as a win for the government. Follow updates here.

Shares drop at open; $A tumbles; Fitch downgrades US foreign currency ratings; Westgold expects lower costs for FY24; BWP Trust declares 9.27¢ dividend. Follow updates here.

Joanna Mather has been appointed Wealth Editor; Ronald Mizen will cover the intersection of business, politics, economics and the law; and Michael Read has been appointed economics correspondent.

Ex-PM Malcolm Turnbull raises concerns over Sky News’ “anger-tainment” approach to Indigenous issues; the majority of the 70 whales stranded on a WA beach have died. Follow updates here.