The Financial Review Wine Club is the home for seasoned collectors and wine enthusiasts.
US warns ships as Houthi rebels vow fierce retaliation
Thousands gathered in two cities in Yemen to protest this week’s strikes, while Saudi Arabia sought to distance itself from the decision altogether.
Billions surge into US bitcoin ETFs as Aussie hopefuls eye listings
Bullish investors suggested an influx of retail money could send the price of the currency to $US100,000 – or, for ARK’s Cathie Wood, to $US1.5 million.
Stage three tax cuts will have a ‘negligible’ effect on inflation
New research from JPMorgan has hosed down one of the key criticisms of the controversial tax cuts, which come into effect on July 1.
Wall Street ends flat, oil retraces spike, bitcoin drops
All three US benchmarks struggled to advance even after the latest PPI data bolstered bets for rate cuts beginning in March. Tesla tumbled anew.
- Opinion
- Chanticleer
These few tweaks could help revive moribund IPO activity
While we sit around waiting for the markets to improve, more ASX-listed companies will be snapped up. It is worth talking about fixing the floats market.
Citi to cut 20,000 roles bid to boost returns
The outlook for cost savings helped mask a disappointing fourth quarter, when Citigroup’s fixed-income traders turned in their worst performance in five years.
What is the Iowa caucus, and why is it so important for the US election?
Given the state represents just 1.6 per cent of the eligible Republican voters in the US, you may ask why is Iowa such a big deal, and how does it all work?
The Legal Brief: Inside the industry’s biggest news, firms, cases, and personalities, delivered to your inbox every Friday.
Chanticleer
EDITOR’S PICKS
weekend reading
Craig Tiley’s plan to save tennis from the Saudis
The CEO marking 10 years at Tennis Australia is targeting a record crowd of a million people this year and a billion dollars in revenue within five years.
What you need to know about Taiwan’s election
All eyes will be on the island’s presidential race on Saturday, which looms as a hotly contested three-horse race with far-reaching geopolitical consequences.
- Analysis
- Federal election
Albanese ditches playbook in his hustle for a reset
Traditionally, politicians pipe down until after Australia Day. Here’s why the Prime Minister is doing just the opposite.
Middle East hots up just as Wong jets in
Australia’s military support for US strikes on Yemen has raised the stakes for a government struggling to find a steady line on the Israel-Gaza conflict.
- Opinion
- AI
Decisions, decisions ... you might not have to make them any more
You already outsource life’s choices to algorithms. Now the rise of AI promises to make your existence even easier, but are you ready to let go?
SUMMER INVESTING
- Opinion
- Interest rates
Sticky inflation in America signals risks
The latest US inflation data calls into question market expectations for heavy interest rate cuts this year.
Is it time to jump on the bitcoin bandwagon?
The launch of a wave of bitcoin exchange-traded funds in the United States will make it easier and arguably safer to jump into the crypto craze, but should you?
After I die, how does my wife move from DIY super to industry fund?
Assets including investment-grade bonds and private equity will make this more complex, but there are ways to get started.
Why we fight about money – and how to avoid it
A spending spat is never just about the finances – it’s all about working out your shared values.
How to turn $2975 a year into $240,000 by retirement
Making pre-tax contributions when you’re younger can reap significant dividends, but you need to be sure you don’t need that money earlier.
Get the latest business news on the go with the AFR’s new iOS app.
Companies
SEC’s bitcoin decision could change markets for years to come
This week will go down as one of the most dramatic in the recent history of financial markets regulation. Now it’s a case of buyer beware.
Former Oil Search boss Peter Botten appointed chair of Vast Renewables
The company, which was founded by Melbourne’s billionaire Kahlbetzer family, listed on the Nasdaq in December. It plans major projects in South Australia.
Brookfield-backed Panthera falls under debt watchdog’s gaze
One debt collecting entity was banned from operating in Victoria. Another sister company – with the same shareholder, address and directors – still operates there.
- Exclusive
- Rich List
Crypto brothers, entrepreneurs shoot up Rich List as bitcoin rises
Here are the Rich Listers basking in a bull run which has, in some cases, added tens of millions of dollars to their net worth in just three months.
Wharfies will work this weekend as ports dispute rages
Maritime Union members have begun a cat-and-mouse phase of the months-long dispute, pressuring stevedore DP World while trying to dodge federal intervention.
- Exclusive
- Payments
Airwallex prepares for IPO ‘in the next two years’
Its founder says start-ups have the right to push boundaries, as he responds to leaked documents that raise questions about the group’s compliance record.
Australian companies close operations in Port Moresby amid violence
Westpac, ANZ and Santos, which have sizeable presences in Papua New Guinea, have increased security and are considering whether to reopen offices.
Companies in the News
Search companies
View stories and data from an ASX listed company
Markets
JPMorgan posts record net interest income
JPMorgan Chase & Co closed out the most profitable year in US banking history and forecast that it may reset its income record in 2024.
US producer prices unexpectedly fall; goods deflation underway
The producer price index for final demand dipped 0.1pc last month and November’s data was revised to show the PPI falling 0.1pc instead of being unchanged.
Oil tops $US80 as strikes against Houthis raise Middle East risks
Global benchmark brent rose as much as 4.3 per cent, briefly topping $US80 a barrel, as investors feared an escalation of hostilities.
ASX edges lower; Oil spikes, Healius drops
Shares finished in the red as traders tempered US rate cut hopes. Energy stocks climbed with oil after airstrikes, Core Lithium jumps. Follow updates here.
- Opinion
- Sharemarket
Nikkei hits a massive 34-year high – but are the good times over?
The Japanese sharemarket looks to have finally called time on three lost decades. It has been a long wait.
Opinion
Wharf wars are no path to our future
The double disruption of trade in the Red Sea and in our own ports shows the challenges to be dealt with if Australia is to avoid a low-growth future.
Editorial
Bitcoin’s chance to join the money mainstream
Bitcoin was founded as a subversive private currency. Regulators have now given it a respectability that might finally decide what it is actually for.
Editorial
Sticky inflation in America signals risks
The latest US inflation data calls into question market expectations for heavy interest rate cuts this year.
Columnist
This US election will be America versus itself
The United States is set to emerge from this election year only more disunited than it was at the start of 2024.
Contributor
Billionaires should be celebrated, not criticised
The value that household name billionaires have created for the world economy dwarfs their net worth. We need more, not fewer.
American Enterprise Institute
I’ve seen what happens when a liberal newspaper loses the plot
Legacy media has to do the opposite of social media, and consider the views that some would rather leave silent.
Columnist
Politics
- Analysis
- Federal election
Albanese ditches playbook in his hustle for a reset
Traditionally, politicians pipe down until after Australia Day. Here’s why the Prime Minister is doing just the opposite.
‘Veggies with a side of morality’: Liberals back Woolies war
Liberal MPs have backed in Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s call for a Woolworths boycott, saying Australians want companies to stay out of politics.
King moves to remove ‘ambiguity’ in offshore gas approvals
The gas industry wants changes to regulations on consultation for offshore projects to prevent them being manipulated and delayed by green activists.
- Exclusive
- Liberal Party
Kennett backs Millennial renewal for Liberals in Kooyong, Goldstein
Former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett says the Liberal Party needs renewal, backing two young women in key seats ahead of the next federal election.
Dutton accused of stoking culture wars with Woolies boycott call
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has called on consumers to boycott Woolworths after the supermarket chain decided to stop selling Australia Day-themed merchandise.
SPONSORED
World
China looms large over Taiwan’s critical election
Senior Chinese officials have framed the polls as a choice for Taiwan between war and peace – depending on which way people vote.
- Opinion
- US politics
The greatest threat posed by Trump
Never before have I seen extremism penetrate a vast American community so deeply, so completely and so comprehensively, writes David French.
What is the Iowa caucus, and why is it so important for the US election?
Given the state represents just 1.6 per cent of the eligible Republican voters in the US, you may ask why is Iowa such a big deal, and how does it all work?
Air strikes could be first of many, Sunak warns
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the US-British air strikes on Houthi rebels were “limited, necessary and proportionate” but sent a clear message.
Middle East hots up just as Wong jets in
Australia’s military support for US strikes on Yemen has raised the stakes for a government struggling to find a steady line on the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Property
Why 2024 could reset Australia’s most expensive home
Chinese buyers seeking beach houses, a penthouse that could top $140 million, and an off-the-plan boutique boom: what to expect from luxury property this year.
Weaker home loans point to slower price growth in 2024
House prices grew last year even as borrowing costs picked up, but affordability constraints are likely to kick in this year, economists say.
Bitcoin approval will put more money in residential property
Volatile gains have long prompted investors to put speculative wealth into property and bitcoin is just the latest example, real estate agents say.
Top office towers could lose 25pc in value as market bottoms in 2024
By the end of last year, Sydney’s prime CBD office towers had fallen between 12.5 per cent to 15 per cent in value. They could fall 25 per cent by the time the trough is reached, some time this year.
The female investors crushing the property game
All single and without a family war chest to rely on, these women managed to build multimillion-dollar property portfolios reaping handsome returns.
Wealth
Eight smart ways to reset your finances and boost your wealth
This is an ideal time to review personal and family finances, set new goals and take the first steps to refresh your strategy.
Is it time to jump on the bitcoin bandwagon?
The launch of a wave of bitcoin exchange-traded funds in the United States will make it easier and arguably safer to jump into the crypto craze, but should you?
Financial advisers likely to give bitcoin ETF a ‘wide berth’
But some say there is a place for cryptocurrencies in portfolios – although in small proportions, like gold.
Technology
Amazon’s Twitch axes a third of its staff as tech cuts enter new year
Australian staff at the platform, which features live-streams of people playing games, were also let go. Its local rival, Kick, has been hiring popular gamers.
- Opinion
- AI
Decisions, decisions ... you might not have to make them any more
You already outsource life’s choices to algorithms. Now the rise of AI promises to make your existence even easier, but are you ready to let go?
Hertz to sell 20,000 EVs in shift back to petrol-powered cars
The move comes due to weak demand and high repair costs for its battery-powered options.
Work & Careers
The employee perks that are a waste of bosses’ money
Research from the University of Oxford suggests many workplace wellbeing programs are a waste of money.
Call to lift ban on foreigners doing trade apprenticeships
Most international students are not allowed to undertake a trade apprenticeship in Australia. Changing that could help the worsening skills’ crisis.
Life & Luxury
Think you know this week’s news? Answer these 10 questions
Have you been paying attention this week? Test your knowledge across politics, business and world news.
Craig Tiley’s plan to save tennis from the Saudis
The CEO marking 10 years at Tennis Australia is targeting a record crowd of a million people this year and a billion dollars in revenue within five years.
Three wellness hacks of the wealthy, and how to copy them on the cheap
Executives are installing home saunas and ice baths, to chase peak performance. But when it comes to proven benefits, experts say you can achieve them for less.
How to wear it – the total wardrobe edit
Your one-stop personal shopper is here in the form of our top-rating fashion advice columns of the past year.
Why Slow Horses’ Jack Lowden would be a perfect James Bond
The bookies rank him among their top 10 potential Bonds alongside Regé-Jean Page, Henry Cavill and James Norton.
From the gallery
BOSS Financial Review
Walking, riding, sailing to CEOs’ favourite holiday spots
- Sally Patten and Euan Black
