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Unemployment hits five-year high

SBS News Australia •
October 15, 2026 • 08:10 AM
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Australia’s jobless rate reaches 4.7%, raising questions about hiring, wages and the RBA’s next move.

Unemployment hits five-year high

Australia’s unemployment rate rose to 4.7 per cent in September, its highest level since October 2021. Blair Chapman, chief economist at Seek, discusses the state of the jobs market, hiring trends, salaries and what the figures could mean for interest rates. The Australian sharemarket fell 0.1 per cent, with technology and mining stocks under pressure. Ben Clark, portfolio manager at TMS Private Wealth, joins SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves to discuss the market, the Australian dollar and investment opportunities.

SBS On the Money is a daily finance podcast where SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves unpacks the ASX, the economy and the latest market moves with leading analysts and executives.

Listen to more episodes of SBS On the Money , and follow the show on the SBS Audio app , Apple Podcasts , Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Same Story from Other Publications

Compare how 6 other independent news outlets reported on this story.

6 Publications
The Australian Financial Review (AFR)
2d ago
A weak Australian dollar starts to threaten RBA’s inflation fight

A weak Australian dollar starts to threaten RBA’s inflation fight

The lowest Aussie in seven months could lead to more expensive imports, stoking further price rises to make the central bank’s job harder.

RealEstate.com.au News
4d ago
RBA eyes up AI-led inflation and spending upticks - realestate.com.au

RBA eyes up AI-led inflation and spending upticks - realestate.com.au

AI could increase spending faster than Australia can produce goods and services, potentially making inflation worse, the Reserve Bank has warned.

The Age
4d ago
The Reserve Bank says AI could supercharge your workplace. Right now, it’s inflating cost of living

The Reserve Bank says AI could supercharge your workplace. Right now, it’s inflating cost of living

AI supporters believe it will improve our lives, end disease and give us more free time. But it could come at a financial cost.

ABC News Australia
1w ago
Trust in the Reserve Bank is under strain, RBA deputy governor concedes

Trust in the Reserve Bank is under strain, RBA deputy governor concedes

Trust in the RBA is under strain "just as we need it most," RBA deputy governor warns.

Domain Property News
1w ago
Property market recovery unlikely until late 2027 after fresh rate blow

Property market recovery unlikely until late 2027 after fresh rate blow

The RBA's latest hike has triggered warnings of a record 14 per cent plunge in home values.

CNBC World
1w ago
Australia hikes rates to 18-year high to fight inflation

Australia hikes rates to 18-year high to fight inflation

The Reserve Bank of Australia's decision was in line with expectations from economists polled by Reuters, and marked its fifth rate increase this year.

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