Business

Unemployment rate falls, but full-time jobs slump in January

Australia's unemployment rate falls slightly to 5.7 per cent, as a surge in part-time jobs offsets a slump in full-time work.

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.

Slater & Gordon, Ten warn on profits; South32 back in black

Slater & Gordon and Ten Network have upset investors with profit warnings, while South32 shares fell despite a return to profitability.

Bellamy's chairman rebukes Jan Cameron's bid for control

The board of troubled baby formula maker Bellamy's will see off the challenge from Tasmanian shareholder Jan Cameron, the company chairman says.

• Bellamy's woes due to board, Jan Cameron says

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

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