Insights

The Abbott Government is passing up a huge opportunity to close loopholes in our taxation system that make it easy for multinationals to act like bad corporate citizens.

At 81.5 cents, the dollar already looks pretty cheap to global investors hungry for yield. It might eventually slide towards the RBA's target, but it's uncertain if it will stay there.

Weakness domestically early in 2015, strength internationally in 2016; when it comes to rates, the market is underestimating these two themes.

Havana has much to gain from reopening to the US, especially as Venezuela teeters on the edge.

In this week's essential reading guide, Kohler looks for a lesson in Russia, Bartholomeusz weighs Woodside's gamble on gas and Gottliebsen warns of a looming economic storm.

Data on domestic private sector credit will drop on New Year's Eve, while US consumer spending, confidence and housing market figures will be released before Christmas.

As growth in the eurozone remains subdued and unemployment stabilises at high levels, spending cuts in R&D might leave some countries exposed to human capital flight.

Global growth is likely to surprise on the upside next year, although there may be large differences in growth dynamics among countries.

While bricks-and-mortar retailers lose market share to more nimble online stores, old school direct 'party plan' sellers enjoy the spoils.

2014 has been an exciting time for the Australia-China relationship, and there will be more opportunities and challenges to come in the new year.

Well-designed climate policies can fuel economic growth in China and Australia in the medium term, but both countries need to work together more closely.

Santa, I know your home's foundations are threatened by melting Arctic ice, but please don't give Tony a lump of coal for Christmas - it won't help things. Instead there are four gifts that he'd enjoy which could even change his mind on climate change.

Governments are ignoring a review they commissioned which finds homeowners are being ripped-off as the building industry flouts laws aimed at reducing energy bills and improving the energy efficiency of new homes.

To rein in the budget deficit, the Coalition needs to do much more than chip away at Senate obstruction and target the real problem: excessive social spending.

Redeveloping public housing estates into higher-density dwellings won't solve an affordability crisis. A housing strategy coordinated by the Commonwealth is a better solution.

AEMO's plan for the future of the power grid fails to recognise the disruption that will come from solar with batteries. While it sees batteries of 5kWh in size becoming common, it still sees new gas capacity as well. Yet once batteries become attractive, fossil fuel is doomed.