Energy stocks surge as US ends Iran oil waivers
The ASX's energy sector recorded its best session since January as the US ended waivers from sanctions on countries importing Iranian oil.
Mega ombudsman too powerful say financial planners
The Financial Planning Association warns new rules will lead to a spike in the cost of insurance and may put some planners out of business.
Big four forced to split UK consulting, auditing arms
The UK competition regulator has recommended the audit and consulting arms of the big four consulting firms be split into separate operating units.
ASX closes at 7-month high as energy soars
Australian shares opened a shortened week of trading higher on Tuesday, as energy stocks lifted the benchmark index within 33 points of a 10-year high.
Budget close to early surplus
Surging government revenue and lower expenses are rapidly shrinking the federal budget deficit and could bequeath the election winner a surprise balanced budget this financial year – 12 months ahead of schedule.
- Opinion
- Sri Lanka bombings
Very little of Sri Lanka terror attacks fits past patterns
For now, the government's claim that this was a Sri Lankan operation, with some outside help, is hard to take at face value.
How oil spike played in Asian markets
The energy sector was the biggest gainer in the MSCI Asia Pacific Index with a 1.2 per cent advance.
Business
NAB deep dive probe into borrower debt sparks backlash fears
If you're an NAB customer wanting a loan, be prepared to hand over a pile of your tax bills, line of credit statements and any overdraft proof.
Nearmap doubles valuation to $1.5b
Nearmap snares a spot among the top ASX 200 stocks as its shares jump 71 per cent in the past three months, buoyed by US growth.
- Opinion
- Iron ore
Sir Mick Davis puts Niron iron ore play on the right track
A new rail deal with Liberia provides encoraging impetus to the Xstrata founder's ambition to finally introduce Guinea to the seaborne iron ore trade.
AHG tells shareholders to hit brakes on $1.8b takeover bid
The boss of takeover target AHG says rival car dealership group AP Eagers has probably underestimated the cost synergies from putting the two groups together.
P2P Transport's ride-sharing dreams run off the road
The CEO and chairman of a company that leases 2600 vehicles to taxi operators and ride-sharing drivers have handed in their keys after a profit dive.
Labor's gas pipeline-funding pledge sparks hopes
The funding is expected to be in the form of loans and could help get new gas sources to consumers within two to three years.
Amcor offloads plants for $US215m
US company Tekni-Plex has agreed to buy two Amcor plants in Milwaukee and Massachussetts, and part of a third plant in a deal prompted by US competition regulator concerns..
Markets
- Live
- Markets Live
ASX has best one-day rally in 10 weeks
S&P/ASX 200 has its best day since early February with a 0.9 per cent gain to 6319.4 points.
A Trump Fed choice steps aside, and another faces new doubts
Herman Cain, a former CEO of Godfather's Pizza, asked to be taken out of the running for an influential post at the US central bank. Stephen Moore is also in doubt.
- Opinion
- IPO
Parallels with dotcom era scream buyer beware
The four most dangerous words in investment are 'it's different this time'.
How China is undermining the world's hottest stocks
With officials now showing concern about the risk of asset bubbles again, the days of making easy money on the stock market may be nearing an end.
Crude prices jump to six-month highs
Oil prices jumped after the US said countries that buy oil from Iran will no longer be exempt from US sanctions.
Opinion
Super funds on track for 10 straight years of gains
This year's historical bounce in sharemarkets has super funds poised to record yet another financial year in the black.
Columnist
Sir Mick Davis puts Niron iron ore play on the right track
A new rail deal with Liberia provides encoraging impetus to the Xstrata founder's ambition to finally introduce Guinea to the seaborne iron ore trade.
Columnist
Woolies backs supply chain revolution
An Australian start-up is using GPS technology and data analytics to cut the billions of dollars of wastage in the fresh fruit and vegetable supply chain.
Columnist
Morrison targets a political congregation
Easter shows Scott Morrison is willing to risk putting off voters in an increasingly secular society by being robustly “authentic” about what motivates him.
Columnist
Politics
Doubts over small business growth fund
At least two of the big banks have baulked at joining a public-private small business fund proposed by the Coalition government, which would tip in $100 million in taxpayer equity to invest in small business.
- Live
Day 13 of campaign comes to an end
The election campaign is over for another day. Read our recap of the day here.
- Updated
- Sri Lanka bombings
Australian mum, daughter killed in bombings
"That's the end of the story of my daughter, my wife," says an Australian who lost his loved ones in the Sri Lanka bomb blast.
Voters being blitzed with fear-based ads
The Australian Financial Review's expert media and marketing panel look at the progress of the federal election campaign trail so far.
A-G called in over water buyback
The Coalition has moved to shut down further controversy over water buybacks by referring the matter to the federal Auditor-General.
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World
China kicks off naval celebrations with appeal for peace
The Chinese people love peace and countries should not threaten each other with the use of force, President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday.
NZ Opposition leader proposes tax indexation to beat bracket creep
Simon Bridges announced in January his party would campaign on the tax indexation policy.
- Opinion
- Iran sanctions
Trump shows his hand on Iran sanctions
The US President's move will only work in exerting maximum pressure on Iran's leaders if a range of other parties decide to play along, or at least defer to Washington.
Billionaires worry about the system that made them rich
For decades, Democrats and Republicans have hailed America's business elite, especially in Silicon Valley, as the country's salvation. Not any more.
3 children of Asos clothing billionaire die in attack
Sri Lankan news outlet Hiru News reported that a celebrity chef and her daughter were also killed in the explosions.
Real Estate
Frasers selling retail offering at Central Park, Sydney for $170m
The retail assets are the final divestments for the JV partners who have generated more than $1 billion in apartment sales.
Little Projects appoints Icon for Gold Coast project
A spokeswoman for Little Projects says the developer has been "really transparent with purchasers as to why they appointed Icon post the Opal Tower news".
Lendlease, Vicinity are takeover targets: JPM
The surge in the local property stocks in the past year has left malls owner Vicinity and global developer Lendlease behind, making them targets for M&A activity
Combustible Alucobond cladding 'not safe'
Class action lead applicants revealed as a group of 17 southern Sydney apartment owners.
Westpac owed $31m from collapsed beef farmer
The minutes reveal the premium beef, grains and wool producer had experienced financial difficulties for at least a year amidst a "relatively complex" operating structure.
Personal Finance
RAMS mortgage move angers brokers and borrowers
RAMS Home Loans, which is owned by Westpac, has angered mortgage brokers by withdrawing a low doc loan popular with self-employed borrowers.
- Opinion
- Sharemarket
Super funds on track for 10 years of gains
This year's historical bounce in sharemarkets has super funds poised to record yet another financial year in the black.
- Opinion
- How to invest
These options strategies could boost your portfolio
For investors looking to increase returns and reduce market risk, two derivatives tactics are worth further attention.
Technology
Galaxy Hold: Local launch of Samsung Fold delayed
Australia has joined the list of places that won't be getting the Galaxy Fold as early as hoped. Troubles with the folding screen have delayed its release.
- Exclusive
- IPO
US tech companies back ASX as 'junior Nasdaq'
The ASX's bid to attract fast-growing global tech players is gathering steam as at least eight companies plan to go public here in 2019.
- Exclusive
- AI
Labor's AI vision for Melbourne
A new $4 million not-for-profit centre to develop AI ideas and companies will be set up in Melbourne if Labor wins government.
Leadership
Google cracks down on employees who staged sex abuse protest
Google paid $US90 million to the creator of the Android operating system after sex abuse accusations. Two employees who led a protest suffered retaliation.
- Exclusive
- Industrial relations
CFMEU pushing 'closed shop' ahead of possible change of government
Employers warn the militant construction union is embarking on a "no ticket, no start" approach ahead of the prospect of a Shorten government.
Lifestyle
Could ground diamonds be a man's best friend?
Electrician turned purveyor of luxury haircare for blokes Patrick Kidd is out to rewrite the rules on male skincare.
- Opinion
- Review
From zero to hero with Huawei's MateBook 13
Huawei has suddenly become a real contender, not just in mobile phones, but in Windows notebooks as well. Its latest offering looks like another winner.
Kym Ellery closes Aussie fashion arm
The fashion designer says she is reluctantly moving production to Europe.
Playing video games to fans - and making a living
As Esports take off in Australia, a band of professional streamers have emerged who earn good money from playing games as their fans tune in online.
- Opinion
- Apps
AI bots creating music to get you through the day
It is both useful and worrying that apps are now able to use AI to design ambient music, using your health data, to perfectly suit your mood and needs.
Most Viewed
Concern as property developers treble commissions for agents
Woolies backs supply chain revolution
Home loans delayed, denied and dearer post-Hayne
3 children of Asos clothing billionaire among dead in terror attack
The Uber lord giveth but drivers pay price
Nearmap doubles valuation to $1.5b in three months
