Insights

Weak European PMI figures clouded positive US data and weighed on markets, while the Australian dollar slipped but remains above US94c.

There's not much cheer in BIS Shrapnel's property outlook, with only Sydney and Brisbane set to record price growth in the next three years. But there may be a glimmer of hope for younger buyers.

Three reasons you shouldn't dismiss the Australian dollar just yet.

Asaleo Care's bookbuild closes early despite concerns investors are growing wary of the IPO market, while Woolworths' pubs portfolio proves a hot ticket.

Clashing concepts of personal and corporate freedom have MPs at loggerheads… but Tony Abbott has, in fact, cast his vote on the packaging question long ago.

Rod Sims' proposal to outlaw corporate conduct that damages competitors, regardless of intent, would force most Australian companies to second-guess everything they might decide to do.

Small investors are generally outperforming the professionals, and a lot comes down to size.

Tax reduction strategies before June 30, making contributions after 65, corporate bonds and CGT, and more.

Here's four reasons to start a SMSF, and another four why you shouldn't bother.

Investors wanting to lock in long-term fixed interest returns have a choice of five-year term deposit accounts paying under 5%. Will returns move up, and what are the alternatives?

Local market posts widespread gains, buoyed by upbeat Chinese manufacturing data.

Climate advocates need to remember the lesson from Copenhagen and not demand perfection at Paris. Today's report from the Climate Change Authority provides a blueprint for what's possible and reasonable.

The US Supreme Court's ruling against Argentina over sovereign immunity fails to recognise that a nation's debt problem is a burden shared by the debtor and its creditors. A sensible restructuring framework is needed.

Anthea Harris, CEO of the Climate Change Authority, talks in depth about what we can reasonably strive for in negotiations for an international agreement to limit emissions beyond 2020.

Metcash's fortunes have taken a hit as the battle between Coles and Woolworths intensifies. It needs sales growth to boost its bottom line, but it won't be easy in a deteriorating retail environment.

I have until recently been too lazy to dump Origin Energy as my electricity retailer in spite of knowing I was paying inflated prices. I'm not alone, the laziness tax many households pay to the big 3 retailers is far bigger than the carbon tax or any other green scheme, yet is largely ignored.