Insights

The Coalition's budget has set Australia on a course to become a less equal society. Its policies will have vast economic consequences not only for low-income earners, but for all Australians.

Rio Tinto wraps up its divestment push as its looks to get its Simandou project off the ground, while a sweetened bid wins over Goodman Fielder.

Clive Palmer's astute observation on Australia's level of private debt highlights a central flaw in Hockey's budget policy that could put the economy in danger of contraction.

Stocks in the US finished on a positive note on Friday following better than expected housing data. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 44.50 points to finish at 16,491.31. The S&P500 gained 7.01 points to end at 1,877.86 and the Nasdaq added 21.30 points to close at 4,090.59.

Between now and 2015-16, the government's growth forecasts are a little cautious. Heading into 2017-18, however, they're far too optimistic.

In summary: it's all about savings with a sprinkle of infrastructure spending on the side.

In this week's essential reading guide Kohler spies a federal budget death wish, Gottliebsen calls time on political deceit, Bartholomeusz illuminates BHP Billiton's sale strategy and Pickering investigates whether a housing downturn has arrived.

The global financial crisis put the size of banks under the spotlight. Although defining an optimal size remains difficult, there are several policy solutions that could limit systemic risks.

It's not just the young - older cohorts lead 'adolescent' lifestyles because the economy and work have changed so much.

Local market follows global bourses lower as investors switch from shares to bonds.

The economic signals point to continued low rates … so shares and property remain the big game.

A survey of top-performing cities ranks Melbourne amongst the best.

The US market is trading above its long-term average … but on some measures it isn't overpriced.

A permanent full-time job is no longer the best fit for many Australian workers. A shift towards more flexible employment could reshape the workforce for the better.

Concerns over floating LNG outlined in Western Australia's impact report are understandable. But another recent development could make Woodside's Browse project far more appealing for the state.

Shares in the retail-to-coal conglomerate are riding high after an upbeat third-quarter sales report, but the interest-rate outlook poses a threat.