Insights

Beijing's determination to create inland Eurasian commerce and trade zones is as formidable as its maritime push, and has economic and political consequences for the entire region.

The week in clean energy saw retroactive actions in Europe, funding deals in the UK and New Zealand, and brief backloading optimism in EU carbon markets.

The UK Government will guarantee a power price for a new nuclear plant that is 50% higher than the cost of wind power in Australia. It's time the anti-wind lobby recognised the reality of nuclear economics.

The Climate Change Authority says the 5 per cent reduction target by 2020 is "inadequate". To not start pushing harder this decade will mean greater economic disruption later.

Insurer on track to meet forecasts, says bushfire claims fall within allowance.

Group raises $173.m from institutional component, Stockland sells stake.

Group to use credit market conditions to lower interest repayments on debt.

With the cancellation of another power infrastructure project by TransGrid, networks are not looking like the rolled gold businesses they once were. But it could yet force them into a timely rethink.

The federal Minister for Finance, Mathias Cormann, has not ruled out issuing Medibank's 3.8 million policy holders with shares in the float of the government-owned private health insurer.

Group sells 25% share of Express Rail Link project in Hong Kong to Leighton Asia.

The US government's eavesdropping on allies demonstrates the old truism that great powers have no permanent allies, just permanent interests. The only real shock is that the NSA got caught.

Group weighing sale of NZ business to focus on Aust growth opportunities.

Global conflict over how the internet should be governed is nearing a crisis point, with the tussle between supporters of the current multi-stakeholder system and those in favour of centralised control set to escalate.

While Kirin wants to push Canada out, Fonterra's concern is to keep Australia in check. The international agenda could drive Warrnambool shares to any level but there are risks.

Qantas, Japan Airlines to be asked to help buoy Jetstar Japan.

The ETS gives Bill Shorten a rare opportunity to make a Hawke-like conviction call on the economic interests of his country.