Insights

GE and Siemens battling it out for Alstom, Goldwind and Sunpower profits on the up, and EU carbon had a bad week.

Local market dips as broker downgrades pressure the big banks.

Social inequality is garnering more media attention, but the question of how to improve income distribution remains hotly contested among politicians and economists.

Stronger global and domestic markets have boosted the value of the Fund's investments.

Wesfarmers' portfolio of brands largely performed well, as Bunnings hammered the competition while Coles' sales came in just below expectations. The group's focus will now shift to its next big strategic move.

The myth continues to persist that solar energy is the preserve of the rich, but the latest data suggests the further you live from rich suburbs the more popular solar becomes. The prevalence of electricity bill shock amongst households is a far better predictor of uptake than income.

Despite some recent initiatives the social network is still trading at 37 times sales and Wall Street is divided on its ability to turn a profit anytime soon.

An El Nino weather pattern appears increasingly likely this year. It could make 2014 the hottest year on record.

The US State of Oklahoma has issued a law designed around hitting solar owners as free riders on the grid.

Local market edges higher after upbeat Wall St leads, fresh Russia sanctions.

Roc Oil and Horizon Oil have announced plans for an all-scrip merger which would create a new company with a market capitalisation of $800 million.

Retail giant increases comparable store sales, in line with expectations.

Production from joint ExxonMobil PNG LNG project starts ahead of schedule.

Minister Hunt has said the Senate would have to block the entire budget in order to block his Emission Reduction Fund but constitutional law suggests other avenues are available for the senate to stop his scheme.

Europe's power utilities have seen their profits plunge at the hands of growth in solar and wind power and drops in demand. Apparently we should be worried that this means the lights are about to go out and emissions will go up in Australia. What the?!

The Coalition's extravagant paid parental leave scheme will do little to boost female participation in the workforce and is difficult to justify given claims of a budget emergency.