Insights

Yet another easy-listening ode to Nelson Mandela fades out on the radio and it's time for the ads. "If you witness corruption, report it," says the voice-over guy. "Let us honour Nelson Mandela's memory by fighting corruption." It's what he would have wanted, after all.

What if they held a war and nobody came? Eight months after the Napthine government released guidelines to encourage private tourism investment in Victorian national parks - provoking fierce protests in communities, letters to The Age and, last month, a rally on the beach at Wilsons Promontory - not a single proposal has been received.

They're preciousss, those nasty little hobbitses. We loves them, we does; oh yes. But not quite as much, perhaps, as the lawyers do.

A casual visitor to Newtown might not see any signs of what happened here a year ago, though if you know where to look they are there.

The Australian dollar is set to record its eighth straight week of decline following further calls from the Reserve Bank for a weaker currency, and as improving US economic data increased the chances of a reduction to the Federal Reserve's stimulus program next week.

There is an old management joke that when a new chief executive takes a job, the predecessor hands over three envelopes to open when things go pear shaped. The first envelope contains the message: "Blame your predecessor"; the second reads: "Announce a reorganisation"; and if that doesn't work, reach for the third envelope, which advises: "Prepare three envelopes".

The Volcker rule that restricts major US banks from engaging in proprietary trading is about to come into effect. That should help shift money from bankers' bonuses and put it back in the hands of American small business.

While most marketers grapple with converting social media engagement into tangible action, Melbourne start-up Gleam is doubling in size every month.

A soft labour market and a dip in consumer sentiment will cloud the government's Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook, which will test an already-fragile confidence in the economy further.

The treasurer plays bully with Holden, Billabong's new boss plays it cool and Bronwyn Bishop engages in furious acts of parliamentary privilege.

Australia is fast becoming the country that bought the world. Holden's demise is a reminder that earning export income requires making a product that people want to buy - especially if we want to satisfy our growing taste for imports.

Jordan's rose-coloured city of Petra is the jewel in Jordan's archaeological crown, impressing visitors with its ancient charms.

In this week's essential reading guide, Kohler braces for the NBN's D-day, Gottliebsen analyses General Motors' Australian exit, Bartholomeusz surveys the NBN wreckage and Burgess senses Abbott's political nightmare.

Local market snaps six-day losing streak as traders take advantage of bargains.

As the prospect of Fed tapering looms closer, investors have missed out on a Santa rally for equities this year.

The supply and demand balance for oil could change drastically in the medium term, and investors should be prepared for a shift.