"More worried than I've ever been" - Global chief frets on populism

​The explosion of populism that swept Donald Trump into the White House and triggered Brexit has made for the most worrying political climate in decades and greatly increased uncertainty for investors, the CEO of Allianz Global Investors said.

Australian push may open more doors for batteries on power grids

Battery makers worldwide are watching to see whether Australia's most wind power-dependent state can keep the lights on by installing grid-scale batteries by December, which could help drive the growth of renewable energy across Australia and Asia.

TPG's $2.2b play for Fairfax draws political fire

Private equity group TPG has approached Fairfax Media about a $2.2 billion demerger.

Cat food tins recalled after widespread illness fears

A popular brand of tinned cat food has been recalled from pet storess after widespread concerns that the "gourmet" meals were making cats ill. 

Buffett assails Wells Fargo, defends 3G at wide-ranging meeting

Warren Buffett, the chairman of Berkshire Hathaway on Saturday criticized Wells Fargo & Co for failing to stop employees from signing up customers for bogus accounts even after learning it was happening, causing a scandal.

ASX set to find new energy for rally

Local shares are poised to start the week sharply higher, after Wall Street's S&P; 500 index closed at a record high, paced by energy stocks.

Fairfax Media confirms unsolicited TPG approach

• UPDATED

Private equity outfit TPG Capital has approached Fairfax Media with a proposal to buy its online real estate business Domain and the company's three big publishing mastheads.

Lower budget deficit to protect AAA rating

A likely improvement in the budget outlook should keep the rating agencies at bay, despite more spending for infrastructure.

Budget 2017: Morrison needs to 'thread the needle' in his second budget

A housing affordability package. A looming fight with Catholic schools over funding. A major infrastructure spend. Much is already known about Scott Morrison's second budget as Treasurer on Tuesday.

Tax, payments and banks - the small business budget wishlist

Extending the instant asset write-off and banking reform are on the agenda for small business.

Veterans welcome new mental health funding

Advocates for veterans have welcomed news of a $350 million support package for former soldiers and their families in Tuesday's budget, but say more needs to be done.

BHP is now on notice over its performance

• ANALYSIS

This can only be a good thing for shareholders.

Budget 2017: Scott Morrison assures public that housing relief is at hand

Treasurer Scott Morrison and Finance Minister Mathias Cormann have gone on a Sunday morning charm offensive to sell the message that the government will tackle housing affordability as a cornerstone measure of Tuesday's federal budget.

Energy bill help for pensioners in budget

Pensioners will get a $75 payment for singles and $125 for couples, which will be paid before June 30.

Iron ore finds some respite after brutal week

The iron ore price plunged to its lowest since October but a late rebound in futures raised hopes the savage sell-off may have ended, for now.

Warren Buffett says unemployed have become 'roadkill'

Warren Buffett likened unemployed workers to animals that are helpless to avoid car crashes, and said the government must do more to help those displaced by competition from overseas and technology.

Bankrupt Alitalia had debts of $4.4 billion at end of February, government

Milan: Loss-making airline Alitalia, which asked to be put under special administration on Tuesday, had debts of around 3 billion euros ($A4.45 billion) as of February 28, Italy's government said.

Barr says federal budget could have 'dramatic effect' on ACT

The Chief Minister has listed the ACT's priorities ahead of this year's federal budget.

New rules will help us fight Netflix, say TV bosses

Regional TV broadcasters WIN, Prime and Southern Cross Austereo have welcomed expanded media reforms proposed by the federal government.

Media ownership reforms could open floodgates

Australia's embattled media industry stands on the verge of the biggest ownership shake-up in a generation after the federal government announced a reform package will open the door for a major round of mergers and acquisitions.

$100m win for TV as betting ads banned

The government is cracking down on gambling advertising during live sporting coverage as part of a package of sweeping media reforms.

Safety checks ordered of aircraft after incident on Canberra flight

Safety investigations will continue into Toll and Virgin Australia's turboprop aircraft.

'We are very bearish' - iron ore slump robs Scott Morrison

Iron ore's tough week has robbed Treasurer Scott Morrison of a rare budget tailwind for as the commodity surge at the start of the year turns into a slump.

S&P; 500 sets record close on energy

Major US stock indexes gained, with the S&P; 500 closing at a record high, as energy stocks rebounded with oil

Oil rebounds on Saudi assurances

Oil closed higher after assurances by Saudi Arabia that Russia is ready to join OPEC in extending supply cuts.

Oil bull Andurand closes bet on rally

​Pierre Andurand, who runs a hedge fund specialising in oil, liquidated the fund's last long positions in oil a week ago.

Netflix, Tesla potential targets for Apple

Citigroup listed seven companies as potential takeover targets for Apple, as a way to put its cash hoard to work.