Insights

While dissenters continue to challenge the validity of the mainframe, the technology keeps on proving its worth.

With the potential deregulation of Australia's tertiary sector, the time is ripe for a shake-up - and the future of education won't just be a digital replica of the classroom.

In 1983, Australian Terry Crews developed the world's first laptop, but the banks didn't think it was a project worth funding. Three decades later, he's about to launch a new device - only this time he's not at the mercy of a brain-dead financial sector.

Central banking policy has moved on from the 'new normal' to the 'new neutral', with rates that are not too stimulative nor restrictive. In response, investors need to consider a fresh approach to portfolio management.

Next week consumer confidence figures are due, which will quickly put this week's strong GDP numbers into their proper, less buoyant, context.

If you are one of Facebook's 13 million active Australian users, you'll have an interest in learning what the world's largest social networking site is doing to keep its platform safe.

State-owned banks play an important role in the financial system by providing counter-cyclical lending and finance for projects that benefit the rest of the economy, but their effect on fiscal discipline is mixed.

Housing finance and employment figures are key local releases in the coming week, while economic data from China will also be closely watched.

In this week's essential reading guide, Kohler tackles central bank policy, Gottliebsen weighs up Westfield's options and Bartholomeusz assesses Stockland's next move.

Many of the problems we face today stem not from an abundance of useless arts degrees, but in fact too few. Every banker who believes this time will be different should be forced to take a history lesson and read Galbraith's seminal book 'The Great Crash, 1929.'

Banks push local market higher after ECB rate decision boosted sentiment.

Wholesaler understood to have been approached to join group eyeing Vintage Cellars.

Junior iron ore miner responds to price query, not aware of reason for the rise.

Energy group's shares placed in halt pending announcement on Seven takeover bid.

Sustainable growth that underpins Australia's asset classes will require a reinvigorated economic reform process.

Capital in the Twenty-First Century, Thomas Piketty's thoughtful manifesto, sadly gets capitalism all wrong.