Insights

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.

The sheer size and growth potential of China and India will be at the core of the Asian powerhouse over the coming decades.

Data on manufacturing output since the US shale gas boom began suggests being an affordable energy superpower isn't what some would have you believe, with Germany's manufacturers doing better than the US.

It will take some time before our terms-of-trade decline causes inflation to rise, but the possibility of this occurring alongside below-trend growth could challenge the RBA.

Breaking up the major Australian banks in order to boost competition would likely have a destabilising effect, and it wouldn't address the sector's biggest problem.

The head of the International Labour Organization argues that the global trend towards wage stagnation will have profound impacts on wage inequality and growth.

A new study suggests monsoons may be more sensitive to global climate change than scientists previously thought, with Asia's big rains to increase as air warms faster than oceans.

In a statement to the latest 'Save Solar' forum, Clive Palmer has vowed to block any efforts to 'remove or reduce' the RET, saying the PUP does not want to face an election 'being anti-renewables'.

As China's power grows, its calculative foreign policy strategy might start to look less clever and pragmatic and more cynical and amoral.

Rule tweaks to America's northeast ETS seemed to have addressed price concerns, with a third consecutive auction above the Cost Containment Reserve, while the carbon market has also delivered $1.1bn in revenue.

Attracted by the region's cheap labour, abundant natural resources and growing consumer markets, Beijing is now determined to win over its ASEAN neighbours.

In a debate that has seen one accusation after another levelled at the RET, the target stands tall as a booster for Australia's battlers - and our electricity system.

Revelations of Islamic State's plans to commit atrocities in Australia are likely to strengthen Abbott's case for action in Iraq, but the commitment is not without its risks.

Talk of the Fed's tightening has seen the surging greenback have a dramatic impact on currency markets around the world -- and there's more volatility to come.

For as little as $US20,000, robots are handling tedious tasks without taking lunch breaks.