Is the global economy gaining momentum?

Amherst Pierpont Global Strategist Robert Sinche discusses industrial production, momentum in the global economy and its impact on currencies.

The big investment questions for 2017

After a year of drama and upsets, investors shouldn't be expecting a more sedate pace in 2017.

Insurers ignoring calls to address discrimination: mental health groups

Mental health groups have accused the life insurance industry of ignoring calls to address discrimination, saying its treatment of people with mental health conditions is unethical and potentially unlawful.

Thousands stuck on 'zombie' work deals

Thousands of retail and hospitality employees are being paid reduced wages under so-called "zombie" agreements that were struck during the WorkChoices era, an analysis suggests.

Where the world's highest-paid expats live

For foreigners working overseas, one country pays almost double the global average.

Rising populism won't trump trade deals

The pursuit of free trade agreements remains a strong priority of the federal government in the face of a rising populist protectionism, particularly from US President-elect Donald Trump.

China's new rule on yuan transfers not a capital control measure: Xinhua

China's new rules on cash transactions and overseas transfers of yuan currency are not forms of capital controls, the state news agency Xinhua said, citing a central bank economist.

Want a bold 2017 prediction? Nothing will change

• COMMENT

The lack of easy, costless answers suggests that, come next January, the world will remain in much the same place it is now - a muddle.

Tripped up by Trump, Hall heads for the exits

The election of Donald Trump as the president of the US caught not just the US cognoscenti offguard, but the reaction of financial markets sowed the seeds for the dramatic exit of Peter Hall from the funds management business he started two decades ago.

Think small stocks to benefit from Trump bump

• COMMENT

Has Wall Street's Trump-inspired optimism gone too far?

Claims of wage theft

• Penalty Rates

Bakers Delight has been taken to the Fair Work Commission over claims it has underpaid workers.

Why aren’t there more female billionaires?

Women have been rapidly climbing the employment and wage ladders in recent decades. But only a small fraction have made it to the top rungs - and their progress may be slowing.

The best time to retune your career? It's probably right now

Is it time to ask for a raise, or to look for a new job? Or do you just want to be happier where you are?

Thousands of injured workers to lose compensation benefits

Christine Guzara is among thousands of injured workers who will be cut off the NSW workers compensation scheme this year despite it posting a record $1.4 billion surplus.

Banks should bankroll ASIC, say super funds

The $400 billion industry superannuation sector is pushing for the big banks to bear the "lion's share" of funding the corporate watchdog.

Bakers Delight's zombie deal 'exploits' workers

• EXCLUSIVE

Bakers Delight workers in Victoria, some on $8 an hour, are being kept on an outdated contract from the unpopular WorkChoices era that drastically reduces weekend penalty rates.

Hedge funds bet on lasting commodity bounce

Gains in commodities will continue next year - at least that's what hedge funds are signaling.

Protests as McDonald's opens in Vatican

A branch of the fast-food chain McDonald's has opened in Vatican City, the seat of the Catholic Church, despite protests from residents and cardinals.

China's bubble squeezing taking its toll

China's manufacturing sector expanded for a fifth month in December, but growth slowed a touch more than expected in a sign that government measures to rein in soaring asset prices are starting to have a knock-on effect on the broader economy.

Call to ban 'hidden exemptions' in life insurance

Life insurers would be banned from relying on broad exclusions to knock back otherwise legitimate claims under proposals from consumer groups, which also received tentative support from the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Shopper docket the sleeper issue behind the Woolworths sale to BP

• ANALYSIS

It has been the single most fraught issue in retailing over the past two decades – shopper docket fuel discounts.

Face time with strangers can boost economy

• COMMENT

Human contact is an important part of health and our prosperity.

Local engineers struggling to find work

When Kenan Tokar began studying electrical engineering with a hope of working in the power industry there was a skill shortage, now thousands apply for limited jobs.

Airline executives quit after video emerges of allegedly drunk pilot

An Indonesian budget airline has fired a pilot suspected of trying to fly a plane while he was drunk, and two of its executives have resigned.

Ironing out the productivity wrinkles

• COMMENT

Multiply the number of shirts worn in Australia by the time it takes to remove their natural wrinkles, and you pretty much have the national productivity crisis laid out on your ironing board.

Two centuries of economic development courtesy of the Industrial Revolution

One of the small pleasures of my year was watching the deft political manoeuvrings of Thomas Cromwell in the TV miniseries of Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall.

S&P; 500 slips into end of year

US stocks completed the fourth annual gain since 2011 on the longest losing streak since the November 8 election.

Engineers imported from overseas when locals struggle to find jobs

When Kenan Toker enrolled to study electrical engineering he thought it was a growth industry with plenty of job opportunities. He was badly disappointed.

China-watcher's guide to risk

• Opinion

Each December, China's leaders meet to lay out their economic agenda for the next year. China-watchers pore over every word.