Business

CBA raises investor loan rates to cool hot housing demand

The Commonwealth Bank's move to lift investor home loan rates is the latest step to slow the rampant housing market, but analysts warn if property prices slow too much they might fall over.

• Commonwealth Bank posts record $4.9b first-half profit

Shock drop pulls Telstra profit down to $1.8b, shares slump

Telstra has seen its first-half profit tumble to $1.8 billion, hit by the effects of tougher competition, adverse regulatory rulings and ongoing restructuring.

Origin wipes $1.9 billion off assets despite higher oil prices

Origin Energy finally bites the bullet and wipes more than $1 billion off the value of its stake in the $25 billion APLNG gas export project in Queensland.

Wesfarmers considers pokies exit in bid to tackle problem gambling

The retail group throws its weight behind gambling reform by not ruling out dumping its gaming operations unless changes are introduced to limit the social damage caused by poker machines.

• Coal fires Wesfarmers to record first half as Coles cools

Wall St jumps on tax cut promise, despite looming rate rise

Strong economic data and more talk of tax cuts by the US President sent Wall Street higher overnight, despite the increasing likelihood of a March rate rise.

Rural business owner tells Government to 'grow a set' as gas shortage looms

A New South Wales abattoir owner calls on Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg to "keep some gas for Australians" as the east-coast braces for a huge surge in prices.

• Government to meet energy bosses over looming gas shortage

Fear and loathing in the rental market

The nation's first national survey of housing tenants reveals renters in Australia have little security and lack the power to demand standard property maintenance.

• Single parents, pet owners do it tough in Tasmanian rental market: tenant group

Glenn Stevens hired to advise NSW Government on housing affordability

A stoush about housing affordability erupts in Parliament after the Premier announces she has hired former Reserve Bank governor Glenn Stevens to advise her Government on the issue.

Seven West CEO acknowledges affair while unveiling 91pc profit dive

The embattled chief executive of Seven West Media, Tim Worner, remains defiant about the fallout from his affair with employee Amber Harrison, while delivering a 91 per cent fall in half-year profit.

Bellamy's woes due to board, Jan Cameron says

A bid by Tasmanian businesswoman Jan Cameron to be installed on the board of trouble-stricken baby formula maker Bellamy's will see the battle for control come down to the wire, a finance expert says.