Insights

The rivalry between Apple and Google to dominate the smartphone business is fuelling the technology industry's newest talent search: software prodigies as young as 13 who are creating apps for their mobile devices.

China's proposed electoral reforms for Hong Kong are stoking tensions between Beijing and pro-democracy supporters, but neither side will benefit from adopting a hardline stance.

Just a few years ago, NAB had big plans to be a major player in the agricultural boom. But with the focus now on paying shareholders ever-increasing dividends, that vision has been lost.

The NBN is a technology that could transform the way services are delivered in Australia, but Malcolm Turnbull's cost-effective vision is short-changing our future.

The local sharemarket is tipped to start the week little changed, while all eyes will be on business indicators data as investors gauge the health of the Australian economy.

Household spending used to be a reliable source of growth, but with consumers remaining cautious post-GFC the US needs to look to business, public spending and exports for support.

Scentre Group mulls a partial divestment of its New Zealand portfolio, while Seven Group lands a stake in Woodside Petroleum.

June's sudden GDP slowdown is unlikely to surprise or concern the Reserve Bank. But growth in the latter half of 2014 is on track be much higher than the bank expects.

They protected their places on the tarmac with a capacity war, but now Virgin Australia and Qantas are pinning their future on customer loyalty.

Many retirees will have assumed the super guarantee, with a pension, would look after them in retirement. As the housing market shifts, that premise will come under challenge for a significant segment.

Tax barriers, high compliance costs, and excessive red tape are preventing small and medium-sized businesses from succeeding, but is the federal government prepared to help the sector?

Australia's government and businesses need to put out the welcome mat to citizens of Asian heritage to take advantage of a wealth of expertise, skills and knowledge.

Twenty-five per cent of the Australian population doesn't believe in man-made climate change, one of the highest levels for developed nations but still behind the US.

In this week's essential reading guide, Kohler assesses our addiction to dividends, Bartholomeusz reflects on Qantas' massive loss, and Gottliebsen talks about how CEOs can learn from a new young player.

A flurry of economic data including reads on inflation and GDP will dominate local news, while US employment and labour market data will also be of interest.

Seek co-founder and CEO Andrew Bassat discusses the company's plans for growth in international markets and gives his views on Australia's youth unemployment problem.