Forget the Trump rally: Thank Pope Gregory XIII instead
We are in the middle of the ASX's sweet spot – the three months to the end of April, before the "sell in May and go away" cliché hits.
Comment & Analysis
The man Snapchat should thank for its success
Whenever I'm in New York I head for the bookshops, even though I usually end up regretting it.
Winner for best performance at the banking inquiry goes to...
The envelope please. For best performance of an Australian chief executive at the latest parliamentary inquiry into banking...
Why not National Housing Lotto? Scattergun policy all the political rage
On the present trajectory of political fiddling about housing affordability, the odds are reasonable that Scott Morrison's second budget will include National Housing Lotto. It's not much worse an idea than some that have been suggested and apparently are about to be tried.
'Ridiculous' – CBA's Yes Minister moment
“It reminds me of Jim Hacker in Yes Minister visiting St Edwards, a hospital that had no patients,” an incredulous shadow minister for treasury Matt Thistlethwaite told the CBA boss Ian Narev after grilling him about an “independent” report into its life insurance division.
Former gaming regulator opens fire on Barangaroo
The former chairman of the NSW Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority has alluded to a potentially dangerous prospect for Crown Resorts.
Reserve Bank spells out company tax choices to politicians
The tax system is supposed to deal with issues other than attracting investment.
Banks may rue not facing a royal commission
The banking industry may ultimately end up paying a hefty price for avoiding a royal commission.
Banks may rue not facing a royal commission
The banking industry may ultimately end up paying a hefty price for avoiding a royal commission.
Extraordinary battle under way at Contango MicroCap
There's an extraordinary battle underway in a relatively small listed investment company that tangentially involves the well-known names of James Packer and Peter Switzer.
Partisan officials undermining the public service
We are drifting into cheapskate politics that ignores evidence - and some public servants are helping.
War is stupid - why kill your customers?
I always felt a bit sick about the violence but I had started to learn the value of the counter punch.
Department stores face uncertain future as sales shrink
Australia's department store industry is facing the prospect of shrinking revenue in real terms over the next five years as it battles turbo-charged competition from online and offshore retailers combined with continued weak consumer sentiment.
The simple fix to make high-earning investors pay $240m more tax
High earners are negatively gearing their way out of the Medicare levy.
Bosses romantic behaviour comes at a price
It's hard to believe that there aren't plenty of executives around town sweating a little more profusely this week as they delete their text messages and rethink the merits of any secret romantic trysts with their staff.
Forget the banks, they're amateurs compared with health insurers
Forget the banks, they're relative amateurs. If you want outrage, check out the private health insurance rip-off as demonstrated by NIB and Medibank.
Barangaroo suddenly not such a 'VIP-restricted gaming facility'
The new chief dealer at James Packer's Crown Resorts seems to have a flexible view of what "VIP" might mean.
Are you smart enough for a better credit card?
If the big banks offer cheap cards, will consumers be smart enough to use them?
Cut in penalty rates another win for 'bizonomics'
In Australia, micro-economic reform has degenerated into a form of rent-seeking that's saying the way to a prosperous economy is to keep business – the people who create the jobs – as happy as possible.
Ignoring customer diversity is bad business
If businesses want to connect with their customers they need to embrace their differences.
Pyrrhic victory for employers
Australia's economy is held back because wages are too low, not too high.
Why penalty rates should be sharply higher
This is interesting: the Fair Work Commission has pretty much agreed with the Productivity Commission's recommendations on penalty rates, so penalty rates should be sharply higher for everyone on shift work.
The four great myths of Gonski
It turns out Christopher Pyne was right: Julia Gillard's version of the Gonski school funding reform was indeed "Conski".
Australia must face some home truths about housing affordability
The next generations are going to be in real trouble if we don't get on top of this housing affordability crisis.
They're coming after your frequent flyer points
Here's something else to worry about: the legion of cyber fraudsters and identity thieves are trying to steal your frequent flyer points – and they're succeeding.
Unskilled and unable: Trump's great jobs lie
For all the turmoil marking the first weeks of President Trump, the big boot is yet to drop. That's when the angry heartland realises the factory jobs aren't coming back, whatever Trump promised.
Big W's ugly result spoils Woolies' big day
As Woolworths celebrated the early signs of improvement in supermarket sales attention turned to the real elephant in the aisle - the ugly loss notched up by Big W and the continued bleeding of its sales.
I've been Trumped – and it is so very embarrassing
"Alternative facts" make it hard to develop a rational attitude about government revenue, expenditure and the future of Australia.
Big turnaround for the Big Australian
BHP Billiton's shareholder austerity push appears to be over and investors will be positively surprised.
After a string of scandals, the insurance industry has a long way to go
A parliamentary inquiry into the $44 billion life insurance industry is likely to dredge up a range of issues.
Executive Style
Nine rookie mistakes that make bartenders hate you
Getting a drink at a good bar. It's one of life's great pleasures. But there are right and wrong ways to go about it.
Stars and suits: The most stylish men on the small screen
From Frank Underwood to newcomer Bobby Axelrod, these cool characters dress the part.
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Small Business
Never lose your glasses again
Entrepreneur Allen Liao launches his 'unlosable' glasses in Sydney backed by actor/comedian Stephen Fry.
Self-employment should be mandatory learning
Why basic business learning should be mandatory at schools and in higher education.
Essential Guides
Building a trading & investment plan
A free independent guide from SMH with expert information.
Investing in Property through Self-managed Super
A free independent guide from SMH with expert information.