Business chiefs more cautious in 2017
Fresh from a year that delivered major political shocks and proved tougher than expected, Australian business leaders are taking a cautious approach to 2017.
The Economy
Why most economists are so worried about Trump
It's the double whammy that worries economists, that Trump's populist pose assigns less value to economic expertise, while also creating the conditions under which it's most likely to be needed.
'Vicious cycle': the biggest global risks over the next decade
Rising income inequality is the most important underlying trend determining global events, according to the WEF's annual assessment of global risks. For business, the biggest risk is the potential for cyber attacks.
The debt pile fuelling Sydney's property price growth
Here are some excellent and, to some, disheartening, maps of the median house price in Australia's largest and most expensive capital city, Sydney.
What we splashed our money on in the lead-up to Christmas
Hardware performed strongly in the lead-up to Christmas, attracting lots of shoppers, but electrical and recreational goods struggled.
Retail sales stumble in November
Economists are hopeful that a reasonable Christmas shopping period will make for a constructive quarter of consumer spending and help stave off fears of a recession, despite "tepid" retail sales growth in November.
'Alarming levels of financial illiteracy' across Australia
Soaring property prices is creating a legion of new 'sophisticated investors' who could be pushed into riskier financial products.
Governments are bystanders as inequality festers
While wealth inequality has fallen across countries, within countries it has increased.
Housing approvals jump, but trend reversal not expected
Housing approvals rebounded strongly in November, but the data is unlikely to herald a change in a declining trend from 2016's peaks, economists said.
Building slows for third straight month
Construction activity finished the year weak as home building wound down in December.
Sharks and ladders: What is saving an Australian life worth?
How much is it worth to save an Australian life? The Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet says not more than $4.2 million, on average.
Interest rate cuts not win-win for all
The Reserve Bank is aware it is hurting retirees with lower interest rates. But it's all part of the plan.
'Double whammy' lifts economy beyond recession
Australia recorded its first trade surplus in almost three years as Chinese demand pushed up prices for its two biggest exports, iron ore and coal.
Company tax cuts wrong move, says Costello
Proposed cuts to company tax have come under fire from former federal treasurer Peter Costello for being less effective at boosting the economy than personal tax cuts.
Australia's new five speed property market
2016 was meant to be the year the housing bubble started to seriously deflate.
Why euphoria could turn to a credit crunch in 2017
Against the backdrop of Brexit and the 'Trump bump', another turbulent year is predicted.
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.
Want a bold 2017 prediction? Nothing will change
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.
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.
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.
Face time with strangers can boost economy
Human contact is an important part of health and our prosperity.
Ironing out the productivity wrinkles
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.
2016 a wake up call on executive pay
Global investment funds say 2016 should serve as a wake-up call for Australian boards on the issue of executive pay, with some company executives paying themselves too well.
Why we keep buying presents no one needs
Spend much time with economists around this time of year, and you will hear about the dreadful inefficiency of exchanging gifts. But there's a higher logic to the gift economy.
Knowledge, not resources, driving economic growth
Some economists worry the world economy isn't growing fast enough. It's slowing down and reaching the point of "secular stagnation".
The overlooked MYEFO bit that matters most
The fixation with the budget deficit being a few billion one way or the other is arguing about the fleas on the dog – it's economic growth that decides whether the dog is fed or not.
Small business tax debts to be revealed to credit agencies
The taxman will now disclose small business tax debt information to credit reporting agencies under a new measure announced in the federal government's midyear budget update.
RBA balanced weaker jobs, strong housing in decision to hold rates
The RBA balanced "considerable uncertainty" in labour market momentum and resurgent property prices in Sydney and Melbourne in its decision to leave interest rates unchanged.
Sometimes it's just better to stay single
A new OECD paper has looked at how tax systems, including Australia's, effectively discriminate against married women.
Small Business
Meet the small business owners living in paradise
Does living by the beach and running a multi-million dollar business sound too good to be true?
'We need the hipsters': Asian small business leader
Two business owners who have seen gentrification firsthand explain what it means.