Insights

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.

After the GFC, a question mark hangs over the value of the G20 and its contribution to global economic governance. The institution's biggest challenge will be to sustain a sense of strategic direction.

The phasing out of signatures for most Australian credit and debit cards from August 1 could catch some small and medium enterprises flat-footed.

Australia's one million-plus solar homes can play an important role in reducing one of the biggest, most unfair, hidden charges in power bills - aircon use at peak times.

The world's largest computer maker has received little attention to date but it's about to start producing Apple's much-anticipated smartwatch.

Much-needed reforms to benefit local tech start-ups may finally be on the cards, but supporting the sector from the small business portfolio comes with its problems.

Telecommunications group considering play for electricity and gas retailer.

US-based Providence Equity Partners weighs bid, Ten board may be amenable to deal.

Wholesale distribution company will look to bolster fresh food and grocery offering in fiscal 2015.

Climate dinosaurs in politics and business have been supreme across our landscape recently but, optimistically, the majority of Australians are moving in the opposite direction.

China's decision to block a proposed global shipping alliance between three companies highlights its willingness to flex its regulatory muscle in M&A transactions.

Local market tipped to begin stronger following gains on Wall Street last week.

Consumer confidence is recovering from the post-budget backlash but the growing trend of short-term shopping centre leases signals underlying weakness in the retail sector.

The local market is tipped for a modest rise after Wall Street hit fresh records and ahead of key data out of China.

The bureaucrats in Brussels are convinced austerity will get Europe back on track. But comparing Greece's experience to that of the US, it's clear that these measures just compound the problem by forcing the private sector to deleverage further.