EDITORS' PICKS

BUDGET 2009: Thanks Ken
Alan Kohler
The budget is forecast to return to surplus in five years, but that's only because Treasury has 'updated its methodology' for forecasting GDP, so that growth is conveniently higher.

BUDGET 2009: Two nasty blows
Robert Gottliebsen
Huge numbers of Australians will be negatively impacted by the government's changes to superannuation contributions and private health cover, but the biggest hit will come from the changed definition of income.

Rio-Chinalco on the rocks?
Stephen Bartholomeusz
Rio Tinto chairman Jan du Plessis has been sounding out other options with investors in the UK. Whether he is truly open-minded is beside the point – the Chinalco deal is in trouble.

BUDGET 2009:Over to you Glenn
Alan Kohler
The government's budget strategy requires more big rate cuts from the Reserve Bank, and fast, as well as continued strong growth in China. Glenn Stevens will probably oblige, but China will struggle.

The Apple of Optus' eye
Tony Boyd
Apple's iPhone has provided a substantial boost to Optus' revenues. And while higher customer costs have hit profit margins, the company is finally winning back market share.

The sunlight on the hill
Giles Parkinson
The government's decision to spend $1.35 billion on Australia's solar power industry is significant. It acknowledges that the technology is ready to go, and will allow local pioneers to leapfrog their competitors internationally.

BUDGET 2009: Perfect politics
Q&A by Isabelle Oderberg
The federal budget is politically faultless, says John Edwards, HSBC chief economist and former senior economic advisor to Paul Keating.