Fundies' best long and short ideas
The tastiest long and short investment ideas for the year suggest the longs have the edge in 2018.
Turnbull's tax trilemma and Trump
Malcolm Turnbull's fiscal agenda is a trio of promises: a company tax cut to match the US, an income tax cut and a budget surplus. But he can't have it all.
How to safeguard your portfolio in 2018
The story of 2017 was how markets shrugged off everything geopolitics could throw at them. Can the synchronised growth across regions last?
Why the Trump book has Washington agog
The controversial new book about Donald Trump's White House contains titillating details on everything from how he does his hair to his extra marital affairs.
Shares hit decade high as global stocks surge
The Australian sharemarket hit a 10-year high as global stocks surged to record levels, fuelled by euphoria on Wall Street and a rally in oil.
Silver lining amid plunging wheat crop
An extraordinary end to the grain harvest is set to deliver a $3.5 billion boost to the export-focused industry in Western Australia.
Global boom just getting started
If the global upturn is only just getting started, which is my central case, 2018 could look a lot like 2017.
Billabong agrees to Oaktree takeover
Billabong's board, including founder and former Rich List member Gordon Merchant, has agreed to back a $380 million bid to buy the company.
Steinhoff to sell jet as cash runs low
Embattled retailer Steinhoff is in discussions with a potential buyer of a 2006 Gulfstream G550 private jet, the company confirmed.
AusCann 'light years' ahead of cannabis rivals
Former Liberal MP Mal Washer the ASX-listed medical cannabis company he chairs, AusCann, is "light years" ahead of competitors.
Quintis investors seek return of founder Frank Wilson
A group of Quintis investors are agitating to unseat the board's three most senior members and are seeking an EGM.
Jewellery chain upgrades guidance on strong sales
Jewellery chain Lovisa has defied the retail gloom and justified its share price surge by reporting a 7.4pc increase in sales for the December half.
Techs pace Wall St higher
The S&P; 500 and Nasdaq notched their best weekly gains in more than a year on Friday as technology stocks helped lift major indexes to records.
US job growth pace cools
While US job growth slowed last month, a gain in monthly wages could pave the way for the Fed to lift interest rates in March.
Silver lining in west amid plunging wheat crop
An extraordinary end to the grain harvest is set to deliver a $3.5 billion boost to the export-focused industry in Western Australia.
ASX at 10-year high on Wall Street's tail
On a historic day for Wall Street, the S&P;/ASX 200 Index closed at 6122.30 points, a new post-GFC high.
Opinion
Ferrari - the ultimate emotional investment
Enzo Ferrari, the founder of luxury car maker Ferrari, would be turning in his grave if he knew that the company he founded planned to succumb to stock market pressure and build a range of sport utility vehicles.
Devil in the detail for republic movement
Nearly 20 years after the republic was buried as an issue, it could be back in play.
Challenges remain for business cycle
Business profits should flow through to wage growth and improved consumer spending. But there are structural challenges.
New central bank faces, same old problems
US central bankers remain frustrated by stubbornly low US inflation and divided about how best to deal with it.
Workers deserve pay rise says minister
Rising company profits should help end low wages growth, Malcolm Turnbull's new IR minister says.
Uber wins case over drivers' employment rights
Uber has secured a rare win in the first major Australian ruling on whether its drivers are employees or independent contractors.
Monarchy has place when political class is on the nose
If we really want to replace the monarch, there are better options than the ones that have been proposed so far.
Coalition accused of defamation over African crime
Community leaders have lashed Malcolm Turnbull and Peter Dutton over their comments on African gang violence.
Wages to finally grow this year
The confidence gap between downbeat consumers and upbeat businesses should narrow, as economists tip a return to healthy wage growth.
Moon toughens talk ahead of meeting
​President Moon Jae-in of South Korea said he would push aggressively for peace with North Korea in a bid to check concerns he might concede too easily.
Cohn's one-day at a time commitment
Gary Cohn, the White House chief economic adviser, said he expected to be at the White House next week.
Impossible for President to block publication
A host of legal issues complicate President Donald Trump's effort to block publication of a book.
Explosive Trump book provides 2 leads for Russia investigation
Two tidbits in Michael Wolff's new book point to areas of inquiry for special counsel Robert Mueller.
Hybrid cars outsell conventional in Norway
Sales of electric and hybrid cars in Norway outpaced those running on fossil fuels in 2017, making Norway a leader in restricting vehicle emissions.
Personal Finance
Global boom just getting started
If the global upturn is only just getting started, which is my central case, 2018 could look a lot like 2017. In this context, it's instructive to reflect on asset-class performance over the last 12 months.
Bitcoin tax traps for home sellers
Bitcoin may be gaining currency in property deals overseas but there are potential capital gains tax implications in Australia.
SMSF tips for the first-home buyer scheme
This can be a way to get more towards a deposit but you'll need to get your trust deed sorted.
Ex-AFL umpire to blow whistle on building industry
An organised crime investigator will head the government's building industry watchdog after Nigel Hadgkiss was forced to quit.
Aussie scientists solve malaria mystery
Australian scientists have taken a key step towards developing a vaccine against malaria.
Confessions of a great magazine editor
The Vanity Fair Diaries stands with Tom Wolfe's The Bonfire of the Vanities as reminders of an era sick with excess and set for disaster.
Buffett, optimistic, but wary of wealth gap
Warren Buffett believes US children will have a better standard of living than their parents though the divide between rich and poor must be addressed.
Lifestyle
A guide to graceful ageing
Well into the last slice of life, an 88-year-old decides it was time to step off the conveyor belt to decrepitude and embrace adventure.
