Net neutrality repeal no big deal
Stephen BartholomeuszIn a convergent world it makes sense for telcos to try to grab something higher margin than the simple tolling of their pipes.
Fed plots no change under Trump
Stephen BartholomeuszIf its projections are borne out, a US Fed stacked with Trump appointees will follow the same course as under Janet Yellen.
Myer woes will fire up Lew
Stephen BartholomeuszIt’s improbable that Myer can recover sales sufficiently to lessen the threat posed by an aggressive and persistent Solomon Lew.
Retreat, while the going’s good
Stephen BartholomeuszIn tough times, Frank Lowy and Rupert Murdoch are moving to protect family fortunes while assets still have strategic appeal.
Tunnel move provocative, risky
Stephen BartholomeuszBy raising equity and inking contracts for Melbourne’s West Gate Tunnel, Transurban and Labor are taking a calculated risk.
ANZ will need to be more nimble
Stephen BartholomeuszAfter withdrawing from wealth management, ANZ must turn apparent weaknesses like its smaller size into strengths.
ASX to be a blockchain pioneer
Stephen BartholomeuszNew technology for managing share transactions promises to be faster, cheaper and less open to dispute, but questions remain.
Amazon plays the long game
Stephen BartholomeuszAmazon is unlikely to disrupt local retailers this Christmas. But next year could be a very different story.
Do central bankers say too much?
Stephen BartholomeuszThe willingness of modern central bank chiefs to explain themselves in detail may be producing some perverse outcomes.
Banks bow to the inevitable
Stephen BartholomeuszThe banks have decided enough is enough and are now seeking to put all these issues behind them once and for all.
Lew poised for new Myer attack
Stephen BartholomeuszEncouraged by AGM votes, Solomon Lew will be counting on poor Christmas trade to open the way for a fresh tilt at Myer.
A backward-looking bank inquiry
Stephen BartholomeuszThe banks are largely to blame for a now almost inevitable inquiry that will fail to provide any insights into the sector.
Amazon: the moment of truth
Stephen BartholomeuszWhy Amazon’s unique model will mean a truly “Black Friday” for many underprepared Australian retailers.
CommentBonds stoke US recession fears
Stephen BartholomeuszIf history is any guide, the bond market is signalling a looming slowdown in the US economy. But does precedent still count?
Mistakes haunt Rio lithium move
Stephen BartholomeuszRio Tinto may be pondering buying into big lithium producer SQM, but knows it can’t afford a repeat of two major missteps.
Lew threat to Myer won’t go away
Stephen BartholomeuszMyer chief Richard Umbers must show progress in the critical Christmas season to avoid a regime change.
No margin for error at Myer
Stephen BartholomeuszAlthough Myer will have the numbers at next week’s AGM, with Lew looming, its Christmas sales are now a high-stakes affair.
How long can volatility be MIA?
Stephen BartholomeuszIt isn’t surprising that markets aren’t pricing in risk. That’s what central banks have been pushing them to do for a decade.
Shell’s exit a clean outcome
Stephen BartholomeuszShell’s exit from Woodside’s register finally removes an obvious overhang in the market.
BHP’s delicate balancing act
Stephen BartholomeuszBHP should look to Rio for lessons as it weighs the current clamour for cash against its long-term investment needs.
Crude comeback oils BHP’s exit
Stephen BartholomeuszA reversal of OPEC’s failed strategy has eased the pressure on BHP as it steers a course out of the US shale sector.
Modest bank growth on the menu
Stephen BartholomeuszDespite ongoing reputational hits, the big banks have offered up a solid and relatively clean round of earnings results.
Thorburn’s NAB takes shape
Stephen BartholomeuszAfter two years reshaping the portfolio he inherited, Andrew Thorburn’s efforts are gaining traction.
Lew looms over Myer metrics
Stephen BartholomeuszIf Myer investors aren’t convinced that today’s tweaking of metrics is reasonable, Lew’s push will likely gain traction.
Challenges mount for Woolies
Stephen BartholomeuszWoolworths’ quarterly sales result is impressive, but the retailer is still in recovery mode.
Bashing banks boosts fintechs
Stephen BartholomeuszANZ chairman David Gonski caused a stir with comments that Google or Facebook were unlikely to compete with banks.
Global air rivalry intensifies
Stephen BartholomeuszQantas’s international competition had moderated, but now appears to be ramping back up, as fuel bills edge higher.
ANZ makeover already paying off
Stephen BartholomeuszThe frenetic remaking of ANZ under Shayne Elliott might be a work in progress, but that progress is increasingly evident.
Coles counts cost of price war
Stephen BartholomeuszWesfarmers’ quarterly report would suggest Coles is still sacrificing growth in sales for competitiveness with Woolies.
Lew digs deeper into Myer
Stephen BartholomeuszAs Solomon Lew gets set to slug it out with Myer, there is real chance he could win effective control without a bid.
