Insights

With the Coalition's taskforce yet to deliver its verdict the local start-up and technology sector will have to sit on its hands a while longer. Here's hoping it likes what the PM has to say.

The tragic events at Ferguson, Missouri are the latest example why transparency is an unalloyed good for the society and given the technology at hand it should be routine.

Inadequate demand and low cash rates are weakening the potency of conventional monetary policy, leading some to suggest that central banks can no longer bear the burden of managing the economy on their own.

Like most taxes, indexation would proportionately hit those on the lowest incomes hardest. Yet we shouldn't continue to under-price petrol, with all the negative externalities that entails.

The country's stronghold on manufacturing might be slipping, but latching on to the technology sector could be its saving grace.

The mixed signals being sent out by central banks suggest the market is overpricing the timing and magnitude of a rate rise, and that policy coordination between the Fed, BoE and ECB may prove a tricky feat.

Amid the chaos in Canberra, one politician has big ideas on growth. At the same time, a corporate titan says there's opportunity to turn our gas crisis into a new era of development. Infrastructure spending is crucial to both plans.

QBE may look to raise almost $1bn to ease its debt load after a rough year, while Rio Tinto considers selling out of its Bougainville Copper project.

Markets on both sides of the Atlantic were boosted by easing geopolitical tensions, while oil prices fell on the improved sentiment and news of higher crude supplies.

Despite Tony Abbott's Gonski commitment, the highly emotive public-private school funding debate is still going strong. And some recent studies reinforce the fact that not all private schools are equal.

Telstra shareholders in pension mode are assessing a once-off tax efficient opportunity.

The medical devices company is set to report a maiden profit, and is steadily building sales.

With one-third of key result statements in the bag we can say with confidence this year's earnings will match market expectations.

The healthcare software company is expanding into Asia and looks to be on the path of continued earnings growth.

UGL's infrastructure pipeline is building as its debt comes down.

This week we look at FlexiGroup, Crown Resorts, BWP Trust, JB Hi-Fi and REA Group.