Insights

The MH17 tragedy has led some commentators to focus on the Prime Minister's 'true' character - forgetting that we've played this fruitless game before.

Qantas may be moving towards a major split but it won't be an easy plan to execute, while another suitor has reportedly joined the auction for BHP Billiton's Nickel West assets.

With ballooning household debt, huge banks leveraged to the hilt and a gargantuan Chinese housing bubble on our doorstep, complacent policymakers are letting Australia drift into dangerous waters.

Wall Street pushed higher on strong house sales data, while European markets rebounded on easing geopolitical tensions.

GDP growth parted company from income growth in 1999 - and there's every sign real wages are now set for a decline. How unions behave will make a significant difference for everyone.

As we move into the new financial year, let's have a look at how local and international shares, as well as a selection of share fund managers, performed.

Local market inches higher as progress on the geopolitical front encourages investors.

In Australia and abroad, neutral cash rates have tumbled as economic optimism and growth remain subdued. Central banks are only just getting used to the 'new normal' and its consequences for policy.

Markets may have overreacted to Janet Yellen's latest rate talk, and recent price action suggests a retest of US95c could be imminent.

Addressing the clean energy industry in Sydney, the government's Bob Baldwin has reiterated the Coalition's determination to axe the green bank for budget reasons - just as it delivers a healthy year of results.

Financial markets seem complacent about the levels of risk within the system at present, but changes to the US regulatory environment could bring about some unintended consequences.

Alibaba's decision to go public with the news that it was being blackmailed by a Chinese media group is the first step in tackling the widespread corruption in the industry.

Instead of wasting money on an extravagant paid parental leave scheme, Abbott should redirect the funds towards childcare, which would boost female workforce participation and benefit the budget.

Stock remains one of the most underweighted among large cap fund managers as device innovation wanes.

An open letter from 17 renewables companies urges the government to keep the Renewable Energy Target, saying any weakening of the scheme risked financial distress and potentially failure, and could see sovereign risk expand beyond the sector.

By focusing on Australia's supposed debt problem, Ross Garnaut has misdiagnosed the issues facing the nation. His policy prescriptions could harm Australia's long-term economic interests.