EDITORS' PICKS

Abbott can still drive tax reform
Alan Kohler
It will be a great disservice to Australia if the reforms flowing from the Henry tax review take as long to achieve as the round of reforms started in 1985. Tony Abbott can do much to make it happen.

Obama's big budget stretch
Alan Kohler
With respected economists now desperately calling for more stimulus to stem rising unemployment and a Presidential Commission about to recommend big cuts in spending, Barack Obama is on the rack.

How broadband defeated Abbott
Robert Gottliebsen
Things move quickly in federal politics, but the Coalition did not move quickly enough to adjust its broadband plan to take account of the 'Hayman solution' – that has now cost them government.

Halting Telstra's titanic drift
Robert Gottliebsen
By all accounts a company like Telstra should succeed, but it's clear that great telco ships of this kind are not structured to be aggressive, nimble and to respond to the market. Time to bring on the ‘Jetstar' alternative.

A clear message for NAB
Stephen Bartholomesuz
The ACCC's ruling not only shows that banks are barred from acquiring any more in banking assets, they are also prohibited from expanding into adjacent areas in the domestic market. As a result, NAB may be forced to grow offshore.

BHP's price of success
Stephen Bartholomeusz
Shareholders must grasp that there is a financial benefit beyond conventional value if Potash Corp can be included in BHP's uniquely diversified model.

In the midst of Europe's fall
Karen Maley
Summer is over, and the brief respite from the European debt crisis appears to have ended with bond yields in weaker eurozone countries pushing record highs. Already Irish banks are feeling the pinch.

America's manufacturing malaise
Karen Maley
Before the US can produce the goods that it should be exporting to stay afloat, it needs a skilled workforce. After heavy and sustained job losses, this presents a daunting challenge.

For Gillard, the battle has only just begun
Natasha Stott Despoja
The Prime Minister's powers of negotiation and consensus building, which she demonstrated during in her post-election efforts, will now be truly tested.

The 'new paradigm' will die in parliament
Michael Gawenda
It may be that the new political make-up will produce a good government and a more democratic and engaged parliament. Gillard will be desperately hoping it can be so, while Abbott will be doing all in his power to prove otherwise.

The 'new paradigm' will die in parliament
Rob Burgess
It may be that the new political make-up will produce a good government and a more democratic and engaged parliament. Gillard will be desperately hoping it can be so, while Abbott will be doing all in his power to prove otherwise.

Popping the hedge funds' bubble
Christopher Joye
Hedge funds have been living on, and feeding off, the belief that Australian houses prices are overvalued and are set for a heavy fall. It's time to bring these guys back to earth.