ASX 200 may test record as earnings season ramps up
If profit results from Australia’s biggest companies continue to beat expectations, the S&P/ASX 200 could forge a fresh all-time high this week.
‘Potentially crippling’: Trump’s legal woes add up
A weighty judgment and impending criminal trial pile pressure on the former president. If he loses his appeal in New York, he may be forced to sell Trump Tower.
Top investors share the toughest lessons they had to learn
No one gets good at financial decision-making without taking the risk of being wrong and then figuring out how to adjust.
- Opinion
- Inflation
The evidence is that immaculate disinflation is unlikely in Australia
Economic conditions indicate the cash rate has not been high enough, increases the risk inflation will be persistent, and it will take longer before the RBA can cut rates, writes Johnathan Kearns.
Foreign students are leaving Australia in droves after visa crackdown
Net migration is still up, but signs are strong that government policy is taking a toll on international students.
‘Kissed on the arse by a rainbow’: Economist rubbishes WA’s GST claim
Claims by the Western Australian treasurer that major mining projects would be jeopardised by any reduction in its GST payments have been rubbished by a leading economist.
Matt Comyn hasn’t convinced analysts just yet
Despite his best efforts and a big profit, the largest investment bank brokers are sceptical that Commonwealth Bank deserves its $194 billion valuation.
Breaking news on companies, politics and economics, in your inbox as it happens.
highflyer
Five airline bosses reveal their favourite lounges – and airport hacks
You don’t have to be platinum status to enjoy the good life during a transit. Just follow the experts as they explain how to nail a layover.
How to pack carry-on like a flight attendant
These expert flyers can be ready to go in 15 minutes. This is what they keep in their bags.
The airlines making economy class bearable
It’s never going to feel as good as turning left. But finally, many airlines are putting more thought and care into improving the economy experience.
Which airlines have the best amenity kits for luxury travellers?
We’ve unpacked the offerings of the major airlines flying long-haul routes in and out of Australia to determine which kits are the best.
Max Allen’s best wines to choose when you’re in the air
There are some nods to the “new world” but the airlines are serving up mostly safe-choice wines that feel more mid-90s than mid-2020s, writes our wine expert.
Get the latest business news on the go with the AFR’s new iOS app.
Companies
Matt Comyn hasn’t convinced analysts just yet
Despite his best efforts and a big profit, the largest investment bank brokers are sceptical that Commonwealth Bank deserves its $194 billion valuation.
The worst-kept secret this earnings season? Rising profits
Soaring profits at big companies selling everyday staples such as groceries, electricity and insurance bring new risks for shareholders and undesirable scrutiny from Canberra.
ASX on back foot after costs blowout due to technology, regulation
ASX cut its interim dividend and said expense growth was unsustainable after the CHESS debacle created unprecedented regulatory demands.
A bank in your pocket: Macquarie and CBA vie for app supremacy
Until now, the only reason to switch banks was to get a better deal. The rivals are changing that with digital investment on a scale the industry has never seen.
GQG Partners wins billions from ‘fat margin’ rivals
The fund manager’s low-fee model and strong performance have boosted its assets under management to a new record.
Affordability crisis gnaws at insurer customer growth
After a three-year repricing cycle where premiums only went up, IAG and QBE appear to be nearing the limit of how far they can keep hiking prices for insurance.
- Analysis
- Defamation
Who’s winning the three big cases of the year? The lawyers, of course
Three of the biggest cases of 2023 have been back in court this week, with Ben Roberts-Smith, Lisa Wilkinson and Shane Drumgold all seeking vindication.
Companies in the News
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Markets
- Opinion
- Sharemarket
Why a disinflationary boom may be upon us
While a soft economic landing is the most likely outcome, it’s hard to ignore the possibility that a lower rate of price growth could be setting the sharemarket up for a strong rally.
‘Impressive’ start to earnings season catches market by surprise
ASX-listed companies are beating forecasts at an unusually high rate, helping support a broader rally in the sharemarket.
Wall St closes lower at end of ‘wild week’
The Nasdaq paced losses heading into a three-day break, after producer prices rose much faster than expected last month, further dashing rate cut hopes.
US producer prices increased by more than forecast in January
The so-called core PPI, which excludes volatile food and energy categories, climbed 0.5 per cent from the prior month, and 2 per cent from a year ago.
‘Total flop’: Neuren Pharma sinks 14pc on short-seller report
The Melbourne biotech darling has rebuked Culper Research’s allegation that its US partner had “misrepresented” its drug’s safety and patient retention rate.
Opinion
There’s a new monetary order – will it be cruel or kind to our banks?
Much has changed since the global financial crisis and after a decade of low interest rates. Major lenders won’t be able to rely on what worked in the past.
Senior reporter
History’s hand on Prabowo’s shoulder
The new president, steeped in Indonesian nationalism, is likely to hew closely to Joko Widodo’s middle path between the US and China.
International editor
Middle East war does not excuse an ancient prejudice
Jews are again the subject of hostility and conspiracy theories that no other group has to face. It has happened too quickly and easily.
Editorial
How to win the political argument for good policy
An economic problem, pressure on voters, and a government willing to step up. This is when change happens.
Columnist
Where mortgage stress is on the rise
For all the back-slapping about the absence of a recession and assuredness around a soft landing, this cycle is not yet over.
Columnist
Parties, staff beauty contests and a ‘god’ dais: How the ATO has changed
Secrecy and privacy were legendary in the closed shop of the Australian Taxation Office where staffers were encouraged to socialise only with their colleagues. But times have changed.
Government editor
Reports
The Critical Minerals dilemma
This report looks at the disconnect between ESG ambitions and market pricing; new biofuels; and alternatives to lithium batteries.
Politics
Ceasefire talks at impasse as Netanyahu faces growing protests
G7 demands Russia explain Navalny’s death; Zelensky urges allies not to abandon Ukraine; Israeli raid of Gaza hospital continues. Follow updates here.
Nickel miners thrown ‘sovereign’ lifeline
Fears of a collapse in the nation’s “sovereign capacity” prompted Resources Minister Madeleine King to include the battery metal on the government’s official “critical minerals list”.
- Exclusive
- Postgrad
The long list of students’ gripes at top law school
From resitting exams that were ‘compromised’ to getting assessments they’d already done for practice, some students are furious about alleged mismanagement at Melbourne Law School.
Victoria’s mass outage boosts call to bury power lines
Energy expert Tony Wood says Victoria’s mass outage this week due to wild weather means underground transmission lines are worth considering.
How a tiny NT school became an exemplar for Indigenous education
The town of Gunyangara, 11 hours east of Darwin, decided to take education into its own hands. The results have been stunning.
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World
Putin’s power ‘now absolute’ after Navalny’s death
The Russian president despised the popular opposition figure and security forces will ensure his mourners are arrested “and then everything will die out”.
Netanyahu defiant as wave of protesters hits the streets
The demonstrations took a pause after the October 7 attacks, but the anger at the Israeli leadership never went away.
- Analysis
- Immigration
Immigration could save the US from recession. But there’s a catch
The immigration crisis is fuelling economic growth, according to experts. Others say it can burden cities with huge costs and drive down productivity and wages
Navalny’s allies accuse Russia of murder cover-up
Police arrest hundreds of people at spontaneous memorial gatherings in Russia for the jailed opposition activist and Putin critic who died suddenly.
Russia seizes ‘complete’ control of key city as Ukraine retreats
The Kremlin has notched up a big battlefield win as Ukraine suffers from a lack of ammunition, weapons and soldiers, and as the war hits the two-year mark.
Property
Where landlords are amassing up to $56k extra rental income a year
The sharp decline in vacancies amid strong demand rewarded landlords with tens of thousands of extra rental income in the past 12 months.
Aware Super’s UK property firm fights $35m cladding bill
Build-to-rent developer Get Living will appeal a tribunal’s ruling, warning that the decision could deter investment in the sector.
Ex-Rich Listers Michael Gordon and Jim Goldburg sell Qld poultry farm
Gordon, one Queensland’s biggest sheep and wool farmers and Goldburg, a former Flight Centre director, sold Cryna Poultry for $15.5 million.
Historic Hunter Valley estate for sale
Considered one of the grandest country homes in NSW, Minimbah House has joined the rural prestige market with a $10 million price tag.
South Yarra home of late fashion trailblazer David Bardas hits market
Late fashion industry leader David Bardas’ South Yarra home has hit the market, while a sleek arrival in Elwood takes aim at the Bayside suburb’s record.
Wealth
Six retirement horror stories and how to avoid them
Retirement is the time for the travel, volunteering and reading many have been putting off. But it doesn’t take much to derail the golden years.
Professionals, mortgage-holders the new face of hunger
Successive rate hikes and sharp rent increases have pushed young professionals and mortgage-holders to the edge as charities report record numbers of newcomers.
Why you’re paying more for cover in your super fund
Passing on higher costs to members is likely to backfire, but advisers say check the cover you need to counter rising prices.
Technology
‘Digital human’ AI stock raises $2m and seeks more
The Funded blog is the home for news on the tech deals that are done in Australia, as soon as we hear about them.
Altium soars on $9b takeover offer after ‘torrid ride’
Altium’s board has backed a bid from a Japanese semiconductor giant to buy the company in one of the largest software deals in Australian history.
Melbourne start-up chases AI gold rush to US with $19m
AI start-up founded by two Amazon alumni has raised $US12.5 million ($19 million), led by Silicon Valley venture capital firm Lightspeed.
Work & Careers
ACTU push to raise loading for casuals
Unions are using a Labor-prompted review of awards to question whether casuals’ higher pay fully compensates them for the permanent benefits they trade away.
Sacked executive, 62, sues MinRes for age discrimination
The former executive is claiming a senior MinRes executive fired him because he was too old and then replaced him with a close friend.
Life & Luxury
Taylor Swift takes Melbourne by storm as she kicks off Australia tour
The pop megastar opened her Australian tour with a show at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in front of 96,000 delirious fans.
Queens Of The Stone Age just vowed to do what most bands don’t
At a cathartic show on the MONA lawns on Friday, QOTSA frontman Josh Homme became a Tasmanian hero.
There’s now a play about Lehman Bros - and Dick Fuld hasn’t seen it
The Lehman Trilogy, which opens in Sydney this month, portrays the downfall of the bank, narrated by the original Lehman brothers themselves.
Lend me your ears: epic podcasts find an eager audience
Spotify says Gen Z want shorter podcast episodes and more lighthearted content, but that hasn’t stopped others listening to 4.5-hour epics featuring Ken Henry.
- Edition
- Arts
Inside the February arts issue
Australian director who wowed the critics is now set to cash in, the art treasure troves of judges and barristers, how the charity ball is becoming big business
From the gallery
BOSS Financial Review
How Microsoft, Lendlease and Virgin changed their culture
- Patrick Durkin and Sally Patten
