Insights

Contract for maintenance services expected to take effect in early 2014.

Local market follows Wall St lead, begins little changed ahead of Fed meeting.

After a tough couple of years Bank of Queensland is rewarding investors with staggering returns, outshining the major banks in the process.

The NBN strategic review raises more questions than answers. As it stands, the Coalition's plan can collapse if any one of a multitude of assumptions proves false.

Staff, stock, customers and cash flow can yo-yo over the holiday period and the unprepared owners may waste a golden business window. A few vital factors, properly considered, can help spread the spoils.

Bill Morrow may have made a difference but the telco's problems are far from resolved.

Stubbornly low inflation and an imminent change of leadership suggest the Federal Reserve may not taper its stimulus program just yet. Despite the obstacles, a Fed taper can't be far away.

On Saturday, China became only the third country to land a module safely on the moon. With half a billion impoverished citizens this expensive project makes little sense - except as a geopolitical power play.

The Coalition's revised broadband plan leaves the fundamental aims of high speeds and regional access as afterthoughts, but will still cost billions. Meanwhile, the private sector is already starting to fill the gaps.

The year in review shows that while overall investment in clean energy is likely to have fallen for a second year running, the renewables revolutionaries have staked out valuable new ground.

With IT spending in Australia forecast to reach almost $77.2 billion in 2014 here's a look at the trends that will impact organisations in the new year.

Wall Street edged lower ahead of the Fed's taper decision, while positive German data failed to quell a European sell-off.

The Canadian dairy company's Warrnambool bid could still end in deadlock, while Pact shrugs off concerns over its weak debut.

Soft inflation dampens taper expectations, but investors remain nervous.

Even after the Western Australian recount, six right-wing, non-major parties still hold the balance of power in the Senate. But the impending High Court challenge could change all that.

Dubious power bill comparisons, empty rhetoric and a sensationalist media are adding to confusion over household energy costs. An enlightened solution to the regulatory mess is in short supply.