Australian Taxation Office deluged by "work from home" deductions - but warns on dodgy pandemic claims. I speak with assistant ATO commissioner Karen Foat

The Australian Taxation Office has refunded $19.5 billion since July 1 as people rush to claim back their "working from home" expenses racked up during the pandemic. 

The deadline to lodge a tax return or register with a tax agent expires this week - though the 80 cent per hour deduction for working from home has now been extended to the end of the year. 

Assistant tax commissioner Karen Foat says while the A-T-O is sympathetic to the current hardship, but tells ABC's Peter Ryan there are some questionable claims related to the pandemic that send up red flags.

Global markets plunge on coronavirus surge; ANZ profit almost halves on pandemic fallout; Tax Office warns on questionable claims in COVID tax returns. I speak with Thomas Oriti on ABC NewsRadio

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Inflation bounces back as consumers spend. But but debate on whether recession technically over after RBA's Guy Debelle tips positive Sept quarter GDP

Some positive economic news with confirmation that consumer inflation has bounced back into positive territory after going negative during the pandemic. 

The update comes amid optimism from Reserve Bank deputy governor Guy Debelle who says the techical recession might soon be over with a positive outcome expected in the September quarter. 

Coles chief executive Steven Cain tells ABC's Peter Ryan he expects government support to continue if required if the economic crisis deepens.

RBA's Guy Debelle calls end to technical recession but reality is painful climb back

There are encouraging signs that the economic recovery is underway with the Reserve Bank deputy governor Guy Debelle declaring the recession might be over. 

But how big a call is that given the economic pain being felt around the country from restrictions imposed to control the pandemic? 

ABC's Peter Ryan says the economic contraction has likely hit the bottom but the recovery will be slow and painful.

I also speak with Thomas Oriti on ABC NewsRadio

Markets dive on US election uncertainty, emergency stimulus deadlock, coronavirus surge

Uncertainty has rocked Wall Street with surging coronavirus cases and fears that next week's presidential election in the US could still go down to the wire. 

Investors have also moved to the sidelines with a trillion dollar bill for more emergency stimulus still deadlocked in the US congress. 

CMC Markets chief strategist Michael McCarthy speaks with ABC's Peter Ryan.

ASIC deputy chair Dan Crennan quits as expenses scandal rocks corporate cop

Australian Securities & Investments Commission deputy chair Daniel Crennan QC has suddenly resigned after a scandal about his expense claims.

Mr Crennan, recruited to be the corporate watchdog's "chief prosecutor",  had been under enormous pressure after an audit raised concerns about almost $70,000 to pay his rent after relocating from Melbourne.

ASIC chairman James Shipton has stepped aside after the audit revealed $118,000 paid to cover his tax expenses incurred after his relocation from the United States to take the chairman role.

Here's how we went to air on AM as the news about Mr Crennan's resignation broke.

Monday Finance: Trump on track for narrow election defeat but "expect the unexpected"; ACCC boss Rod Sims "watching closely" on Virgin 2.0 to ensure Qantas competition

With the clock ticking down to a momentous election day in the United States, economists are sharpening up their forecasts on who'll win the White House and what it means for the world. 

If the polls can be trusted, Donald Trump is heading for a defeat in a fortnight's time though the margin could be narrower than initially expected. So now the focus is turning to democratic contender Joe Biden and the massive challenge he faces in turning around America's pandemic ravaged economy. 

I speak with Betashares chief economist David Bassanese.

Also I speak with ACCC chairman Rod Sims about Bain Capital's plans for Virgin Australia who says he'll be "watching very closely" to ensure the airline is a full service competitor to Qantas.

Here's my analysis broadcast on RN Breakfast with Fran Kelly