Insights

New Zealand is on course for solid growth in the coming year, though some sectors will struggle as the rebuilding of Christchurch and Canterbury sucks resources away from other parts of the economy.

Academics are mixed on the prospect of Direct Action as it stands, while a study into an emissions trading scheme is more heartening.

White-collar crime in the form of 'control fraud' is rampant in the finance, insurance and real estate sectors. Nothing short of a Royal Commission is needed to root it out.

Saying a fond farewell to internal combustion engines also means bidding adieu to a raft of maintenance measures. But how does an electric bike handle the crash test?

The United States' is seeing lower electricity-related emissions - despite a recent bump - which is reflective of lower carbon intensity and electricity use in the country.

The Coalition is prosecuting a flawed and expensive regulation of technology that it barely understands and national security has nothing do with it.

If it wasn't for the egos of the different companies involved in making mobile payments systems work, it would already be a lot more widespread.

The Xperia Z3 is the best smartphone Sony has ever made. It might not have cutting edge specs of newer flagships like Samsung's Galaxy Note 4 but there's plenty of appeal for Android users.

The long-term environmental and economic benefits that the US extracted from the shale gas boom are yet to be realised in Australia.

Wall Street wobbled after the Fed decision was announced, while European markets edged higher. The US dollar rose strongly against other major currencies.

Quantitative easing may be over, but monetary policy in the US remains exceptionally loose. A rate hike ahead of market expectations is not unlikely.

Wesfarmers is looking to expand into finance, while NAB is expected to reveal details of how it plans to offload its UK operations.

These tropical islands are all family owned, most are operating businesses, and they're up for sale.

A popular movement clamouring for the Swiss National Bank to increase its gold reserves could send global prices higher - but only if the fickle Swiss vote to do so.

Institutional investors have the edge in the privatisation of the health insurer. What's more, a bookbuild process ensures the shares will be more expensive.

Retailers will shine, miners will struggle further, while innovators in banking and health services will win big … here's why.