Insights

The Reserve Bank has notched up its biggest profit in four years, making $4.3 billion in the year to June, thanks to the sharp fall in the Australian dollar.

Pacific Brands has become an unlikely victim of the mining slowdown, with a fall in jobs in construction and resources leading to weaker sales of its workwear brands such as Hard Yakka.

The Reserve Bank has notched up its biggest profit in four years, making $4.3 billion in the year to June, thanks to the sharp fall in the Australian dollar.

Newcrest Mining has indicated it is preparing for further gold price declines that could lead to more asset write-downs. At the same time, a low gold price could open the door for Newcrest to buy assets on the cheap.

The sharemarket finished higher, driven by strong gains among the big banks, as the share price of Australia's biggest lender, Commonwealth Bank, surged to a record high.

Food manufacturers could be facing their tobacco moment as growing consumer awareness on wellbeing turns towards commodities such as sugar, according to a global report by the Credit Suisse Research Institute.

A challenge by hybrid holders to the buyout plan is thwarting attempts to move on after large losses, managing director Price says.

Phosphagenics enjoyed its best one-day surge in over 14 years today after management finally delivered something shareholders could cheer about.

Pacific Equity Partners will retain a majority stake in the credit-checking company.

Local market lifts on surge in major banks ahead of full-year results releases.

The glimmer of hope in Spain's GDP numbers won't be enough to drag it out of a lost decade. With few levers available, the Spanish government can only cut its way to growth - a policy that's unlikely to work.

Apple Tree Inn in Donnybrook WA is trying to grow its online presence and gain patrons for its restaurant, bar and backpackers. Rather than engage in expensive marketing programs, find out how the owners can use happy customers and social media to drum up business.

Proxy votes suggest miner's directors and remuneration report will be endorsed.

Local market gains after sell-offs yesterday and falls on international markets.

Chair Terence Richardson still backs Canadian takeover offer.

The dairy company's chairman Terence Richardson still backs the Canadian takeover offer.