Insights

Last week we started our Trading Plan for Investors based on the Trading Plan Traders use. We are adapting it for investors. We have looked at setting goals, deciding what entity to trade in, what mechanism to use to physically trade, whether to go full service or online, what information services to use and what style of investor we want be (short or long term). We assumed long term.

Economists have been trying for hundreds of years to explain how markets work. They have long believed that, even though market economies appear wild and disorderly, there must be some kind of order to it all.

My dad turned 93 this week just as a story broke about the Greek island of Ikaria, where people commonly live to well over 100. Our social researcher Louise wonders why anyone would want to get that old if you start to wrinkle from the age of 60. Modern science may well fix that sooner rather than later, but the story of my dad and the Greek island has many similarities.

At age 35, Nathan Tinkler was crowned "Australia's youngest ever billionaire". At age 37, his creditors are closing in. Though thanks to a US hedge fund that wants its money back, the big fellow still has some cash left. He is said to have been in New York lately, trying to drum up a bid for Whitehaven, the company that was once his.

PETER CURTIS AUSTRALIAN DIPLOMAT 8-9-1929 - 5-5-2013

BOBBY PARKER MUSICIAN 31-8-1937 - 1-11-2013

A consistent corporate strategy, streamlined processes, and the alignment of personal incentives with organisational goals will help companies navigate complex business environments.

Warrnambool's bidders are hamming it up, Leighton lobs a Fairfax lowball and a departing Kevin Rudd finds friends in the unlikeliest of places.

In this week's essential reading guide Bartholomeusz weighs up Bega's WCB bid; Kohler sizes up China's credit bubble; Gottliebsen stares down our retail calamity; and Burgess tackles Australia's super conundrum.

Our country is supposed to be 'open for business', but Joe Hockey can't help sending negative signals to global markets about the state of Australia's finances. It's a purely political strategy but hardly a worldly one.

A surge in house prices across the country indicates a boost in consumer confidence and an increase in line with income growth, but there is no evidence of a bubble yet.

One way to energise the body, mind and soul is to combine an indulgent Thai spa experience with a spiritual awakening at the Erewan Hindu shrine.

QIC has appointed as advisers on the $4 billion sale of Queensland Motorways.

Local market holds above 5,400 as investors expect US stimulus to continue

Forward guidance may be well-intentioned, but Bank of England governor Mark Carney has found that economic uncertainty has challenged the efficacy of such a policy.

After reports PM could block takeover, grain handler reaffirms ASX compliance, Labor urges decision on merit.