EDITORS' PICKS

Cheapening the deficit argument
Alan Kohler
It’s unlikely the behaviour of global bond markets will enter the election campaign, but investors’ insouciance in the face of large and rising government debt undercuts the argument against Australian deficits.

Giving birth to an Abbott victory?
Alan Kohler, Election 2010
The Coalition's paid parental leave scheme is an improved baby bonus and small business subsidy rolled into one. It's a generous scheme, and a possibly devastating piece of politics.

Nation-changing policies
Robert Gottliebsen, Election 2010
It's now clear that the 2010 election will shape Australia more than most elections in recent history, with stark nation-changing differences developing between the two parties.

A self-fulfilling market prophecy
Robert Gottliebsen
Belief that the risk of a double-dip recession has abated is seeing money once on the sidelines flooding into markets. If this continues, it has a well-proven element of self fulfilment.

Rio Tinto's fresh start
Stephen Bartholomeusz
The extent of Rio Tinto's post-GFC recovery would have been inconceivable a year ago. The miner is shifting back to expansion mode and is in a position to absorb future shocks.

DJs' lesson on the lecherous
Stephen Bartholomeusz
The DJs experience shows that not only is no individual so valuable that their behaviour can be over-looked, but that a code of conduct isn’t sufficient if the transgressor is senior and intimidating enough.

Why Stevens is wary
Stephen Bartholomeusz
Today's inevitible rates hold highlights an economy that's quickly losing its support from consumers and lenders. Low unemployment is keeping things afloat, but the spectre of a wind-down in China looms.

Taking Rudd for the team
Michael Gawenda, Election 2010
Few of the front-benchers on either side inspire confidence, as the strengths of the Hawke-Keating and Howard-Costello years diminish. Which is why, for all of his faults, Gillard has to embrace Rudd.

Acting appropriately at DJs
Amanda Gome
The David Jones sexual harrassment case certainly seems to prove that not much has changed in the workplace since the bad old days – except that women are now prepared to take legal action.

Which way for the RBA?
Christopher Joye
The broad consensus is the RBA has only a mild hawkish bias during such uncertain times. What then can we make of one of its closest followers hinting at a rate hike as early as September?