Insights

Australia's IPO market is set to have a strong end to 2013 but 2014 could be even better with three companies set to make a big splash.

Jotters agree Virgin's backers are in for the long haul in their Qantas dogfight, with one spying a battle between Tigerair and Jetstar on the horizon.

BlackRock chief executive Larry Fink predicts that policy uncertainty in the US and deterioration in the eurozone will continue to rattle financial markets.

When Ten Network chief executive Hamish McLennan fronted an investor briefing on Wednesday afternoon to make his pitch on the future of the struggling broadcaster, the last thing he needed was a report on another round of cost-cutting at the network.

Taxing farewell for Mirvac boss

It could be the worst deal Woolworths has done in 20 years, and will leave its shareholders staring down the barrel of hundreds of millions of dollars in forgone profits.

Virgin Australia's decision to tap investors for $350 million will give it the cash it needs to stare down Qantas in the bloody airfare battle that has cost both airlines more than $100 million in the past year.

Virgin Australia's three major foreign shareholders will tighten their grip on the airline after backing a $350 million capital raising to help bolster its finances in the midst of a bitter battle with Qantas.

As construction workers scurry around in yellow fluoro vests putting the final touches on Costco's newest discount warehouse, a giant teddy bear throws a vacant gaze across countless rows of food, clothing, diamond rings and a 10-kilogram block of Cadbury chocolate.

Bank of Queensland looks set to close branches as part of a push to cut expenses and lift the performance of its retail banking arm.

While federal and NSW politicians shilly-shally over the inevitable Badgerys Creek airport - there's yet another study released this week with more to come - south-east Queensland will soon have its fourth.

It's worth recalling how much things have changed as the government and the opposition confect a debt-ceiling brawl over Treasurer Joe Hockey's plan to raise the government's borrowing limit from $300 billion to $500 billion. In less than a decade, reality has been up-ended.

The defection of Elders' live cattle trading team to rival Ruralco threatens the business with "irreparable harm", with a major Indonesian customer already considering buying elsewhere, a court has heard.

Bega Cheese is attempting to up the ante in the fight for Australia's oldest listed milk processor, raising its bid and declaring it unconditional and final.

James Hardie shares hit a record high after the company doubled its first-half profit amid long-awaited signs of improvements in the US housing market.

While pointing to the positive impact of the weaker dollar and lower interest rates on the outlook this financial year, steelmaker BlueScope was wary of signalling a strong earnings upswing, with domestic conditions remaining "challenging".