What central banks are really up to
Alan Kohler
If not for high debt levels, central banks probably wouldn't be fighting the Digital Revolution's downward pressure on prices. They'd see 'stable prices' as moderate deflation.

A shining victory for super holders
Robert Gottliebsen
The Coalition's announcement is a triumph for those over 60, which highlights the increasing influence of Australian superannuants.

Qantas takes no prisoners in its cost war
Stephen Bartholomeusz
The closure of Qantas' heavy maintenance facility in Avalon is yet another salvo in the company's war on costs, as it attempts to claw back market share from Virgin Australia

It's competition, not carbon, that matters
Rob Burgess
The supermarket duopoly's impact on consumers and small business shows it's urgent for the Abbott government to get its hands dirty on competition policy.

Graincorp deal sows Coalition tensions
Stephen Bartholomeusz
The ADM takeover of Graincorp has inflamed tensions between the Liberals and Nationals, and Joe Hockey's decision will shape the future of Australian agriculture.

Germany is the self-centred Euro king
Callam Pickering
Germany's economic policy is robbing other eurozone countries of an escape from the fiscal gloom. The powerhouse can, but won't, stimulate its economy for the benefit of the EU.

Westpac grows slow and steady amid a credit lull
Stephen Bartholomeusz
Westpac’s cost cutting has helped overcome a slow market for business lending. Like its peers, Westpac will be hoping things turn around soon.

Why markets are holding their breath on China
Robert Gottliebsen
Will China's 2013 Third Plenum change the world as it did in 1978? Xi Jinping's proposed reforms could radically redefine China's international policy, but it won't come easily.

Print to order: how will 3D printing redefine manufacturing?
Harrison Polites
There are two ways of thinking on how 3D printing will shake up product production: it could be a great leap forward for customisation, or revive bespoke production.

The housing bubble Whodunnit
Steve Keen
Australia's housing bubble is dwarfed only by the UK and The Netherlands. That's not the work of the free market, so what got us to this point?

The making and breaking of Mr Infrastructure
Robert Gottliebsen
If vested construction interests succeed in smashing Victoria's anti-cartel laws they'll be able to boost construction costs and absorb the money Tony Abbott has earmarked for infrastructure.

Buyer beware of the housing market bandwagon
Callam Pickering
Moderate income growth and cautious borrowing have led to a temporary upswing in house prices. But foreign investment is almost negligible, and rates are likely to rise in 2014.

Disrupting the bank dividend party
Kirstie Spicer
A broad wave of regulatory pressure is soon likely to hurt the banks' ability to pay investors the dividends they've become accustomed to.