National Australia Bank chief executive Andrew Irvine speaks with ABC senior business correspondent Peter Ryan about Donald Trump's decisive victory. Mr Irvine says while the outcome provides certainty, he's cautious about Mr Trump's plans to ramp up tariffs on goods brought into the US - warning Australia would be hurt by a global trade war with China. Mr Irvine was speaking after the NAB revealed a six percent fall in full year profit to just under $7 billion.

Reporter: Peter Ryan, Senior Business Correspondent

Featured: Andrew Irvine, National Australia Bank chief executive

With the Albanese government in unofficial election mode, the Reserve Bank governor Michele Bullock urged against any cash slurge to entice voters. The warning was directed at Treasurer Jim Chalmers after the RBA board decided - as expected - to leave interest rates on hold .. unprepared to declare victory in the fight against inflation.

Reporter: Peter Ryan, Senior Business Correspondent

Featured: Michele Bullock, Reserve Bank governor

It's a nailbiting week for the direction of the global economy, with the US presidential election expected to go down to the wire.

ABC’s Peter Ryan looks at the potential fallout here in Australia.

As you consider making ends meet during a cost of living crisis .. there's news that more than 1200 big companies paid no tax in the last financial year.

Naturally this will probably leave a bit of a sour taste for many listeners .. but there are good reasons according to the Australian Taxation Office.

Telecommunications giant Optus has been accused of exploiting vulnerable Australians - including First Nations people and people with disabilities - for allegedly selling them goods and services they didn't want or need.The explosive allegations relate to hundreds of Optus customers including some who were pursued by debt collectors in what the ACCC has described as inappropriate and fraudulent sales conduct.

Reporter: Peter Ryan, Senior Business Correspondent

Featured: Gina Cass-Gottlieb, ACCC chair

February rate cut on horizon after inflation fall as Woolworths confirms price deflation by Peter Ryan

The outlook for slowing inflation in today's quarterly CPI update is unlikely to pave the way for an early interest rate cut. Economist Warren Hogan says the Reserve Bank will be focusing on underlying inflation which strips out one-offs like energy rebates and a six percent fall in petrol prices. Mr Hogan says there's a risk the RBA might be force to raise interest rates again if inflation remains stubbornly high.

Reporter: Peter Ryan, Senior Business Correspondent

Featured: Warren Hogan, economic adviser, Judo Bank

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In a move that could represent a big challenge to Qantas' domination of the skies in this country, Qatar Airways is seeking to buy a 25 per cent stake in Virgin Australia. But the deal will need approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board and the competition watchdog the ACCC.

Reporter: Peter Ryan, Senior Business Correspondent

Featured: Jayne Hrdlicka, Virgin Australia CEO; Jim Chalmers, Treasurer; Peter Dutton, Opposition leader; Roger Montgomery, fund manager

To rising tensions in the Middle East and how the risks of a wider conflict are rattling financial markets...

The global price of oil - which was already creeping higher - has surged after Iran launched a barrage of missiles at Israel earlier this morning.

In a move that could represent a big challenge to Qantas' domination of the skies in this country, Qatar Airways is seeking to buy a 25% stake in Virgin Australia. But the deal will need approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board and the competition watchdog the ACCC.