A concise summary of Australia’s key business, real estate, government, startup, and technology developments from November 3–9, 2025 — including RBA updates, property growth, and major innovation milestones.
Australia’s first week of November delivered a mix of economic caution, property market strength, and innovation momentum. From the Reserve Bank’s policy stance to major startup funding news and sustainability announcements, here’s everything you need to know.
🏦 Business & Market News
The ASX 200 ended the week 0.29% lower, weighed down by persistent inflation data and expectations that the RBA will hold interest rates steady through 2025. The Reserve Bank of Australia kept the cash rate unchanged at 3.6%, as economists ruled out near-term rate cuts amid a surprise rise in core inflation.
Government bond yields climbed after strong bank earnings and building approval figures, signaling that the economy remains more resilient than many expected.
🏭 Industrial & Manufacturing
Australia’s manufacturing sector recorded its first contraction of 2025, with the S&P Global PMI falling to 49.7 in October. Declines in production, staffing, and purchasing activity reflected soft domestic and export demand. Meanwhile, input cost inflation accelerated, further squeezing profit margins across manufacturers.
🏘️ Real Estate Market
The property market continued to defy expectations with record auction activity and strong buyer sentiment. National property values rose 1.1% in October and 6.1% year-on-year, with Perth and Brisbane leading gains — some suburbs even posting double-digit annual growth.
Government initiatives also played a role. The extension of the federal Home Guarantee Scheme triggered a 40% jump in first-home buyer mortgage applications, underscoring continued affordability pressures but strong underlying demand.
🏛️ Government & Policy
To support households amid inflationary pressures, the Australian Government announced a one-off $4,100 Centrelink payment for eligible citizens. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attended the APEC Summit, focusing on trade partnerships and regional defense cooperation.
At home, Canberra continued its commitment to digital inclusion and local news support programs, addressing growing disparities in access to reliable information across communities.
🚀 Startup & Innovation
Australia’s startup ecosystem saw new momentum this week. FB Ventures, the nation’s first VC Fund of Funds, officially launched to broaden access to startup capital for emerging founders and smaller investors.
Meanwhile, Inaam, a new impact investing platform, debuted to help young Australians invest based on their personal values. Across Sydney and Melbourne, deep-tech and climate-tech pitch events highlighted the strength and creativity of Australia’s innovation landscape.
💡 Technology & Sustainability
In sustainability, Apple announced a new solar energy project in Victoria, reaffirming its goal to match all Apple product energy use with clean electricity by 2030. This aligns with Australia’s growing corporate trend toward carbon neutrality and renewable energy expansion.
On the tech adoption front, generative AI usage continued to rise — nearly half of Australians have now tried AI tools, reflecting both mass adoption and concerns about digital inclusion as the technology becomes mainstream.
🏗️ Infrastructure & Industry Events
The Infrastructure Report highlighted continued progress on major national projects. At the same time, the RBA’s Assistant Governor addressed the Australian Industry Group, outlining the economic outlook and key challenges for local industries as they adapt to high costs and global uncertainty.
In Summary
This week showcased a resilient yet cautious economy, surging property markets, and a growing appetite for innovation. With government relief measures, new funding vehicles, and sustainability commitments from global tech players, Australia continues to balance economic stability with forward-looking progress.
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