Insights

Facebook's access to China could be buoyed by an office in Beijing the company is now considering. But it still has a fight against local rivals, which are growing in global influence and may co-operate with the government to try to thwart its efforts.

Consolidation among smaller brokers continues apace.

The investment bank has sold a 4.6 pct stake in the property fund manager.

Small business has been deemed one of the few winners of the federal budget, but the lower corporate tax rate and a small and family business ombudsman may not deliver the benefits many expect.

Michael Clarke's determination to build Treasury's global brand aligns with strengthening US demand, while raising questions on whether the group's US presence is large enough to propel those ambitions.

The government should be commended for its vision and willingness to take a brave decision on a $20 billion fund to support medical research which will largely benefit people overseas and the young while imposing a great big cost of living impost on families doing it tough. One wonders where it might lead next?

The sharp rise in youth unemployment represents a lack of opportunity rather than laziness. Reintroducing Work for the Dole will do little to improve the situation and may make matters worse.

The Turkish mine disaster has put mining companies and utilities in the spotlight for the way they source coal - with coal mine workers also killed in the US and Australia the past month.

Local market declines in early trade after US PPI data surprised Wall Street.

Maker of Penfolds says it is not in discussions with Constellation Brands.

While London nurtures its world-class Underground, Sydney's rail network is stuck in the 1930s.

The Competitive Carriers Coalition is on thin ice with its latest attack on NBN Co, and the telco industry's gaming of the backhaul market needs to be checked.

Nokia's first tablet does have some pleasing features but its hefty price tag is likely to be a turn-off.

Electricity prices again dipped into the negative during Sunday's record while Germany's first quarter renewables generation rose from about 24% to 27% of the market.

Government investment in scientific research is going backwards in Australia as other nations move forward. The long-term economic risks are profound.

Group's first-half result weighed down by costs associated with restructure of oil division.