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An interest rate cut by the Reserve Bank in February was previously considered possible but it now now appears highly likely after inflation data released today showed an easing in the December quarter greater than anticipated and to its lowest level since 2021.

Meanwhile, the Tech Council of Australia says the nation could be "obliterated" in the AI race without federal government intervention, while a former Victorian innovations minister says China's DeepSeek AI program risks becoming a greater national security threat than social media platform TikTok.

And if you have always suspected that not only the month of air travel but even the days of departure and arrival can make a big difference to the cost of your airfare, aviation writer Robyn Ironside has the figures to back it up and tips on how you can maximise your savings.