Insights

All eyes will be on the US Federal Reserve this week as investors look for any sign of an imminent rate rise, while tensions in Iraq push the oil price higher.

Aquila Resources shareholders have a bitter pill to swallow, while UGL reportedly gets a decent price for its property services arm.

For the Chinese government, being the number-one economy in purchasing power parity terms has some benefits, but it is more likely to become a diplomatic and geopolitical burden.

The ongoing uncertainty surrounding the renewable energy target is stifling investment and undermining attempts to create long-term, credible policies.

Our incomes are possibly our most important financial asset, yet very few of us take the time to insure ourselves against...

As expected the RBA kept its cash rate unchanged at 2.50% in June. The last time the RBA cut rates was in August 2013 and according to Paul Bloxham, Chief Economist, Australia & New, Zealand, HSBC Bank Australia Limited, it appears that the federal bank is in no hurry to change its position in the short-term, although an expected bounce in the Chinese economy could prompt a move later this year.

Traders in Europe are unwilling to accept forecasts of the Australian dollar finishing the year at 90 US cents. That carry trade is still too popular.

In this week's essential reading guide, Kohler tackles the financial markets, Gottliebsen looks at Australia Post's competitors and Bartholomeusz surveys the LNG sector.

An important and hard question we face is why Australians of Asian descent are under-represented in leadership positions, whether in politics or business.

There are still stocks worth getting into for the long haul in the Australian sharemarket conclude local Oracle of Omaha devotees fresh from a pilgrimage to Nebraska.

Local market falls as investors worry about Iraq conflict and fall in iron ore price.

Santos CEO David Knox believes China's long-term demand for gas will sustain Australia's LNG sector, and predicts east coast gas prices will match the export price if enough supply is unlocked in NSW.

History suggests the next year should be positive for host Brazil's market, but trading volumes will likely drop as investors turn into fans.

If this is how much Brazil spent on the World Cup, how much more will it spend on the 2016 Olympics?

Labour market and motor vehicle sales data will dominate local headlines, while a raft of US indicators will also be closely watched.

The listed property trusts sector is providing reliable and consistent income to investors … but know the risks.