US economy starts 2017 in low gear

The US economy expanded at an annual rate of only 0.7 per cent in the first quarter. But no one is panic mode — yet.

US economic growth slowest in three years

Economists are generally skeptical that growth will reach Trump's goal of 3 to 4 per cent on a sustained basis.

How high is too high for Australia's cannabis stocks?

Despite the antics of key characters, suddenly everyone wants in on the legal cannabis industry.

Inside Joe Gutnick's byzantine business affairs

The latest tumble of the man who became known as Diamond Joe has been played out in bankruptcy proceedings.

Why it's silly to debate 'good' versus 'bad' debt

• ANALYSIS

The Treasurer, Scott Morrison, strayed into some rather silly territory this week in a speech seeking to lay down a new set of markers for the budget, divvying up government debt into "good" and "bad" debt.

Sydney house prices fall for first time in 18 months

Sydney house prices are set to suffer their first fall in 18 months, new figures show, in the wake of of strong action from regulators designed to curb the growth in investor loans.

Network Ten 'un-investible', according to analysts

Network Ten's entire market value was less than $100 million on Friday and the company is now "un-investible", according to analyst reviews of its half year results. 

Pizza Hut set for the courts over cut-price pizzas

• COMMENT

Pizza wars, $4.95 pizzas and the disastrous impact such strategy directives allegedly wreaked on Pizza Hut franchisees is about to be put on trial.

ACCC targets milk company for misleading farmers

The competition watchdog has launched court action against the nation's biggest milk processor Murray Goulburn, claiming it misled farmers and treated them unfairly.

'Cultural element' hampering investigations into financial crimes: AFP

The Australian Federal Police have raised concerns about a "cultural element" inside corporate Australia that is hampering investigations into serious financial crimes, including bribery, fraud and money laundering.

ASX buoyed by corporate earnings

Corporate earnings kept investors busy, giving the local sharemarket a boost of over 1 per cent for the week.

Markets Live: ASX holds the line

Shares manage to reverse early losses to nudge higher on Friday, ending the week firmly up and within sight of 6000 points.

Westpac branded as 'wimps' over coal pledge

Westpac's decision to effectively rule out lending to the proposed giant Adani coal mine in Queensland has drawn praise from environmentalists but derision from the government and industry.

We can't 'hold back the tide' on house prices, says banking watchdog

The powerful banking regulator has warned it cannot "hold back the tide" of the property cycle and exert control over house prices, underlining the limitations of recent curbs on bank home lending.

Google admits the ATO is chasing it for money

Google Australia has confirmed for the first time ever that it has been hit with an amended tax bill by the ATO following audits of its affairs and that "the company will lodge an objection".

Online giant Amazon bets on bricks and mortar's 'exciting' future

The world's biggest retailer, which is expanding in Australia, says its growing number of physical stores is just "another way to reach the customer".

Why Murdoch is applying the paddles to Ten's heart

• COMMENT

On the face of it, Ten Network is probably worth more dead than alive. At least if you are one of the three moguls - Lachlan Murdoch, James Packer and Bruce Gordon - in whose hands its future rests. But the rules of normal financial practice don't apply.

Ministers say yes to legalising hemp foods

For the first time, Australian shops will be allowed to sell hemp foods legally.

Will bank earnings drive the ASX 200 towards 6000?

With ANZ, NAB, MQG and WBC all reporting earnings in the days ahead, will the numbers and outlook breathe further life into a sector that is clearly outperforming. (This video was produced in commercial partnership between Fairfax Media and IG Markets).

Left and right hooked on deficits

• COMMENT

The budget is unbalanced because of the steady abdication of personal responsibility to the state.

Tax Office 'nudge unit' gets to work on its fellow public servants

Tax Office bosses plead innnocence as official 'nudge unit' unmasked as authors of 'independent' grass-roots campaign

Propertylink snaps up $145m Brisbane office tower

Listed property group Propertylink has acquired a government-leased office in Brisbane for $145 million in a partnership with investment bank Goldman Sachs.

Charter Hall launches $275m equity raising, ups earnings guidance

Diversified property group Charter Hall updated its earnings guidance Friday by 35.9 cents per security, while at the same time announcing a $275 million equity raising.

Facebook Australia pays more tax following crackdown

Technology giants are restructuring their tax affairs and for the first time ever counting local advertising revenue.

$4.4b in five minutes: Bezos cashes in on Amazon share surge

A surge in after hours trading for Amazon.com added $US3.3 billion ($4.4 billion) to the fortune of Jeff Bezos, putting him less than $US5 billion ($6.7 billion) away from becoming the world's richest person.

The Empire strikes back: India to push UK out of top five economies

Some seven decades after independence, India may outshine its former colonial master.

Burbank plans 57-storey tower on historic site

Home builder Burbank Group has applied to knock down an 1856 Victorian building in Melbourne and replace it with a 57 storey apartment tower.

How to get to work faster

The future productivity and quality of life in Australia's big cities will hinge on the efficiency of our transport networks.

Seven ordered by court to mediate Amber Harrison case

Seven West Media has been ordered to mediate a possible resolution to a workplace lawsuit by a former employee who had an affair with the company's CEO.