Insights

Trader thinking this week will be dominated by Thursday morning's Fed decision. Although we are now only four days out from the decision, there is little sign of a market consensus developing, either on what the Fed will do or on how markets will react if they do lift rates.

The US stock market's relatively orderly trading session might just give local markets at least one day's respite from recent volatility and a chance to take a breather at the end of a frenetic week. Early indications suggest a firm opening to this morning's trading.

Dr Shane Oliver from AMP explores the weakness in the growth of emerging markets and whether this signals a repeat of the last major financial crisis.

The actions of the Chinese government are scrutinised and sensationalised by Western media. Bad news sells. But much of what we have seen recently in China is comparable to what Western governments have been doing since the GFC...

Asia Pacific shares will open under pressure today after share market sentiment reversed to negative during the US session overnight. Gains on European bourses and in industrial commodities initially pushed the S&P 500 index higher, but despite an expansion in consumer credit and labour market conditions, sellers quickly took control and forced the major indices into the red.

Men throw better than women - it's a fact. Research at the University of Wisconsin demonstrated it conclusively. But, while men can hold their heads high with that study in mind, they might want to take their egos down a notch when it comes to investing: sorry gents, women do it better. A growing body of academic research has found women outperform men at investing. Here's how they do it.

Our top five companies are now on attractive yields and are making efforts to maintain their distributions.

China's debt problem is not from the government or households… it's corporate debt mostly among builders.

Serious investors are still basically optimistic despite the global volatility.

In specie super contributions allow investors to take advantage of a market dip.

Let's clear up some common misconceptions about super contributions pre- and post-65.

This week we look at Myer, Rio Tinto, Westpac and AGL.

Upgrading Azure and understanding a graph of dwelling prices.

In a continuation of recent stock market volatility, the buyers have been firmly in charge over the past 24 hours.

Holidays could see a cautious start to trading in the Asia Pacific region today. Early indications point to mild positive momentum, but a full diary of data could set the direction for investors. Trade data from China stands out as the most likely candidate.

Andrew Grech of Slater and Gordon explains 'the ASIC issue' and we roll out the red carpet for Alex Waislitz of Thorney Opportunities fund.