Insights

While the odds still favour an El Nino, could it quickly become a super El Nino like in 1982? The recent changes in temperature make it more likely, but we'll have to keep watching to know for sure.

Labor has just nine MPs in Queensland's 89-member parliament, but the Premier's plan to privatise assets - including electricity generators and retailer Ergon Energy - is opposed by up to the three-quarters of voters.

Neither political party seems willing to tackle the ongoing deterioration in the budget, which stems from inadequate revenue collection. Bold tax reform is necessary but requires political courage.

BHP is set to transform itself from a growth company to a shareholder distribution company, unlocking more of its cash flow by embarking on a sweeping productivity drive.

Medibank Private is reportedly considering incentives to entice mum and dad investors ahead of its $4bn float, while Treasury Wine's chief gets on the front foot.

Lee Kuan Yew, a former mentor of Deng Xiaoping and an adviser to every US president from Nixon to Obama, is optimistic about China's economic prospects, but he has a unique take on the hurdles facing the country.

We are wealthier, healthier and more educated than ever before so why do so many people keep telling us the country, the economy and our standard of living are all slipping?

The government is keen to negotiate free trade agreements to bolster economic activity, but new research shows it has its work cut out to educate the market on their various benefits.

Wall Street lifted as investors cheered improved economic data, while the price of gold continued to slip.

China will likely soon move to a new growth model, one in which consumption leads the way. But what exactly will this mean for Australia?

The price of thermal coal has plunged by a significant 51% since peaking in January 2011 thanks in part to a shift in Chinese and Indian attitudes to the use of fossil fuels.

Just like AGL, Origin Energy has suffered a 23% decline on earnings per customer in large part due to reduced sales thanks to solar and energy efficiency. But it sees a silver lining for its newly acquired coal power station on the horizon.

A common theme in Asian family businesses is sending the next generation to expand the company abroad. It's a daunting and difficult assignment, but the independence can lead to triumph.

While Treasury Wine's result may not look so encouraging at first glance, there are signs that Michael Clarke's strategies are gaining traction. His biggest problem now is a lack of time.

There is an edgy aspect to Hong Kong's recent string of protests which is worryingly reminiscent of Thailand.

After another year of falling demand, the energy giant is wisely moving beyond just volume sales to cover all facets of households' power use. So why'd they buy MacGen?