This is where we find ourselves as 2017 ends
A government brought to its knees – desperately scrabbling to control not just politics but a national policy agenda – by a lack of numbers that has arisen in the most bizarre of circumstances.
Political fight looms over bank probe
The Turnbull government has moved to pay back Labor for helping force it into a humiliating backdown on a royal commission by targeting industry super funds.
Bank probe an act of political desperation
The perils of a royal commission framed in an atmosphere of political desperation are likely to be great.
Political reality obvious to the banks, if not PM
As backflips go, this counts as a triple pike with twist. Malcolm Turnbull finally figured out he had no choice.
Banking commission may hurt funding: rating agencies
The rating credit rating agencies say a royal commission into the banking sector has the potential to undermine investor confidence
Wesfarmers is a disruptor too: Rob Scott
New Wesfarmers chief executive Rob Scott is paranoid about Amazon. Just like he is any other competitor, he says.
Inside Oroton's collapse as fortunes run out
After years of strategic mistakes, the board of Oroton was left with little choice. As one insider put it, at some point you have to call time.
Under fire, Malley's contract got more generous
CPA Australia's board clandestinely increased the termination period of CEO Alex Malley, a decision that would see him paid $4.9m when he was finally fired.
Oroton collapses into administration
Accessories retailer OrotonGroup has collapsed after major shareholders the Lane family and Will Vicars failed to step in and rescue the business.
Global beer giant buys Adelaide craft brand
The world's biggest beer company, AB InBev, has swallowed craft brewer Pirate Life in its second craft beer buy-up in Australia in two months.
Expect higher home loan rates: ABA
Homeowners face the prospect of higher mortgage rates as a result of the royal commission into the banks, the Australian Bankers' Association said.
AFP interviews Packer on behalf of Israelis
Federal Police interviewed James Packer this week on behalf of Israeli authorities investigating the alleged bribery of PM Benjamin Netanyahu.
Bank stocks fall sharply on inquiry news
Banks and financial institutions have fallen sharply at the open following the Prime Minister's announcement of a Royal Commission.
Bitcoin just plunged 20 per cent in a matter of hours
Bitcoin has plunged as much as 20 per cent hours after a rally past $US11,000 generated a surge in traffic at online exchanges that led to intermittent outages.
Sex, drugs and Bitcoin
About a third of Bitcoin users are using the anonymous digital currency for nefarious activities, but that's trending downwards as the currency has become more regulated.
Distraction blamed for falling productivity
Pay attention! Our growing inability to concentrate could be part of the global productivity puzzle.
Yield curve the marker for recession
The yield curve is flattening, but not flat enough to provoke a recession says Erik Norland, the senior economist at CME Group.
Opinion
Bank inquiry framed in political desperation
The perils of a royal commission framed in an atmosphere of political desperation are likely to be great.
Winners and losers from the banking royal commission
The loudest and most persistent critics of the big four banks are likely to find themselves the biggest losers from the Royal Commission into the banking, superannuation and financial services industries.
Bank inquiry bad for all investors
If bank stocks don't rally, it makes it very hard for the rest of the market to head higher and that in turn is also a headwind for our superannuation balances.
Small screens deliver big numbers for Aristocrat
On Thursday Aristocrat chief Trevor Croker delivered a strong set of numbers for the 2017 financial year and something of a surprise deal.
Dastyari loses job, clings to seat – again
Labor leader Bill Shorten has sacked Senator Sam Dastyari from his jobs as deputy whip and chairman of a parliamentary committee.
How the banking royal commission will work
The banking royal commission will have sweeping coercive powers to gather evidence about bad behaviour including compelling witnesses to give testimony.
Bank inquiry 'blows up' compo scheme
Victims of financial scandals face a long wait for compensation, and may miss out altogether, given the decision to hold a royal commission.
PM caves on bank royal commission
The federal government and the banks have caved in to political pressure and have agreed on a royal commission into the industry.
'Shanghai Sam' and the 'lost' tape recording
The press conference that almost destroyed Sam Dastyari's career has largely been secret. Until now.
Siemens set to list €40b Healthineers IPO in Frankfurt
Frankfurt appears favoured to nail the €40 billion IPO of Siemens' medical equipment unit, the biggest German listing in 20 years.
May criticises Trump for retweeting anti-Muslim videos
British PM Theresa May criticises Donald Trump for retweeting anti-Islam videos. Jeremy Corbyn says the President is 'abhorrent'.
Bosnian-Croat war criminal commits suicide in World Court
A Bosnian Croat wartime commander drank poison, killing himself in the dock of the World Court in the Hague on losing his appeal.
US economic growth reaches 3.3pc
The US economy grew faster than initially thought in the third quarter, notching its quickest pace in three years.
Senior Saudi prince freed in $US1b settlement
Senior Saudi Prince Miteb bin Abdullah, once seen as a leading contender to the throne, was freed after reaching an "acceptable settlement agreement" with authorities.
Personal Finance
Banking probe urged to target mortgage brokers
The banking royal commission should focus on crack downing on unscrupulous insurance products and dubious mortgage brokers, consumers groups say.
Rest cuts automatic life cover for under 18s
Rest has become the latest fund to overhaul its insurance offering as the sector battles to save face.
APRA doubles down on climate change
The prudential regulator has outlined plans to for an industry-wide review of climate-related disclosure.
Epidemic of underpayment still: 7-Eleven chairman
Chairman of 7-Eleven Michael Smith warns there remains an "epidemic of underpayment" to foreign student workers across the franchise sector.
NSW power network CEO scores 17pc pay rise
Essential Energy has been criticised for rewarding a CEO who slashed its work force to turn a loss into a $50 million profit.
ALP powerbroker has 'unofficial role' in HSU
Fair Work has found HSU boss Diana Asmar sacked an official who refused to back her husband in an Labor conference.
FMG's new era starts with high-grade switch
Fortescue Metals Group will try to sell more high-grade iron ore during Elizabeth Gaines' tenure as chief executive.
Why IBM scrapped working from home
IBM - previously an advocate of remote-working - is now bringing its staff back together in new workspaces. It now believes physical distance directly affects productivity.
Lifestyle
7 things you're paying too much for in a restaurant
A pro shares his list of overpriced foods and drinks that you may want to avoid on your next time out.
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