Insights

A pattern of weaker business credit is putting SMEs under increasing pressure, and limited access to alternative markets is only making the situation worse. It's time to explore other options.

The launch of Apple's smartwatch will give a massive boost to consumer take-up of wearable devices. Such technology is already becoming transformational for business.

Many Australian super funds outsource their investment management, with consequences for brokerage and tax costs. But there's a way to vastly improve their performance.

The local sharemarket looks set to get off to a jumpy start thanks to mixed offshore signals, while lower metal prices could have an impact on our miners.

Treasury Wines is closer to entering exclusive takeover talks, while NAB is set to price its IPO for unwanted US unit Great Western Bank.

G20 meetings tend to generate plenty of ideas for growth and reform, but are less successful in following through on them.

That so many Scots voted in favour of independence highlights the toxic and painful legacy of British neoliberalism.

Investors have been asking how long the current economic global recovery cycle can last. The fact is, business cycles do not just die off from natural causes, events need to end them.

The world's biggest company is at a crossroads ... is this the time to buy?

Rising house prices have got the RBA's attention. With New Zealand rolling out macro-prudential policies, should Australia follow suit?

As the impact of corporate tax-shifting on Australia grows aggressively, the G20 will be a fork in the road for Joe Hockey.

Seemingly undeterred by the GFC, increased risk, corner cutting and rule breaking is back in vogue for many Wall Street traders.

In this week's essential reading guide, Kohler tackles Australia's hot property, Gottliebsen bids farewell to the influence of the City of London and Bartholomeusz looks at the declining Australian dollar.

The government would do well to listen to the advice given by Ken Henry recently because its vision of Australia as an 'affordable energy superpower' fails to realise that, even were this true, it ain't worth much.

From Russia to Argentina, the ultra-wealthy sometimes inadvertently strike a blow for liberty and the rule of law.

The RBA's bi-annual Financial Stability Review will be in focus, while 'flash' readings on manufacturing activity in the US, Europe and China will also be closely watched.