Labor under pressure to confront China over hacking
The government is under pressure to confront Beijing after its main counterintelligence agency named a hacking group linked to China’s Ministry of State Security.
Powell signals rate cut decision is approaching
“Elevated inflation is not the only risk we face,” the Federal Reserve chairman told lawmakers on the first of two days of congressional testimony.
The $175b super fund that’s shopping for old London office blocks
With $11 billion in its property portfolio, Aware has been unafraid of going early and hard with a countercyclical strategy. And it means going global.
Congressional Democrats debate Biden’s viability
Democratic US lawmakers failed to reach a consensus on whether to fall in line behind President Joe Biden’s resolve to pursue his reelection bid.
Who are the Chinese hackers named by Australia?
They are based in China’s south and have allegedly operated via a front company called the Hainan Xiandun Technology Development Co.
How the chairman became the unquestioned power at this bank
Mark Tucker, the chairman of HSBC, has spent years establishing himself as the dominant figure at the heart of Europe’s largest financial group.
- Exclusive
- White collar crime
Why diamond studded Swiss watches and luxury handbags worry AUSTRAC
The financial crimes watchdog’s chief executive Brendan Thomas says luxury goods along with cash and real estate have received its highest risk rating.
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Companies
Transmission ‘will get easier’ after EnergyConnect: Transgrid CEO
Brett Redman’s comments come as speculation mounts Transgrid will need to bring other contractors in to complete the delayed $2.3 billion transmission project.
Telstra increases phone plan prices above inflation rate
The telco is lifting prices for most of its mobile plans – and analysts warn there could be more price increases to come.
China magnet maker nabs stake in Forrest-backed rare earths play
Chinese rare earths heavyweight JL Mag will get 9.8 per cent of Hastings Technology Metals in return for a $7 million investment.
- Opinion
- Consulting
Is McKinsey a partnership? Court case, leadership battles stir debate
A former senior partner is suing McKinsey after he was fired for having “communicated about document deletion” relating to the firm’s advice to opioid manufacturers.
- Updated
- Mergers & acquisitions
Bapcor rejects Bain’s $1.83b offer, lures exec chair from 7-Eleven
The struggling automotive parts group also flagged an impairment, and said the private equity firm’s cash proposal did not reflect the value of the company.
ASIC queried Qantas’ knowledge of ACCC investigation as shares fell
The regulator wrote to the competition watchdog requesting a “a better understanding” of the probe into ticket sales on cancelled flights, emails reveal.
- Exclusive
- Sales
Rivers of gold from Surfers Paradise towers flow to ex-Evergrande exec
A local real estate developer with extensive links to the collapsed Chinese property giant says it has more than $500 million in unsold units on the Gold Coast.
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Markets
Aussie ETFs top $200b as investors flood back to stocks
Strong performance from funds exposed to global equities are drawing investors and fund managers to the fast-growing local ETF market.
Powell signals rate cut decision is approaching
“Elevated inflation is not the only risk we face,” the Federal Reserve chairman told lawmakers on the first of two days of congressional testimony.
Hedge funds turn on Cettire, betting shares will keep falling
The online fashion retailer is now the second most shorted stock on the ASX as hedge funds ramped up bets against the stock over the past week.
Wilsons joins growing chorus of Guzman y Gomez bulls
Shares in the much-hyped Mexican fast-food chain are tipped to surge more than 10 per cent in the next year, fuelled by ‘significant and sustained earnings growth’.
Medtech CurveBeam AI shares rally 15pc on upbeat sales
After its shares lost more than 66 per cent of their value, CurveBeam AI says sales for its medical imaging hardware are improving.
Opinion
France says adieu to the centre
Australia too faces a drift to minority government, polarisation and identity politics at the next election, which France showed how easily can go off course.
Editorial
Where do Australia’s China ties go after hack?
The public outing only raises the question of where Australia takes the matter from here, and what it expects China to do.
Editorial
Confused despair grips Democratic voters
Joe Biden seems to be revelling in his determination to once again prove his doubters wrong. The Trump campaign is confident it ensures their victory on November 5.
Columnist
Europe now leaderless as global threats rise
President Emmanuel Macron’s authority in Europe has shrunk after chaotic national elections, while the UK’s influence has been hobbled by Brexit.
Columnist
Body language expert says Biden’s failures due to more than age
Joe Biden performance anxiety snap during the debate leaves a huge issue for the voting public, regardless of its actual cause.
Leadership coach.
Corporate France bids adieu to Macron’s pro-business agenda
Many business leaders are relieved to see extremes neutralised, but political gridlock and the rise of the left has sparked concern.
Contributor
Reports
Sustainability Leaders
The list celebrates Australasian companies that are making real progress in tackling sustainability challenges – and delivering business value along the way.
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Cattle farmers go to war with Labor over class action
Cattle farmers have accused Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus of launching an appalling, contemptuous and “outrageously misleading” attack on them.
- Exclusive
- White collar crime
Why diamond studded Swiss watches and luxury handbags worry AUSTRAC
The financial crimes watchdog’s chief executive Brendan Thomas says luxury goods along with cash and real estate have received its highest risk rating.
Jillian Segal named as special envoy on antisemitism
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese rejected criticism of his government’s response to tensions as he appointed Australia’s first envoy on discrimination against Jews.
- Exclusive
- Biosecurity
Avian flu surveillance to be upped amid fears of spring outbreaks
A $7 million package of federal initiatives is to be rolled out to prepare for possible outbreaks of the highly dangerous H5N1 avian flu strain
Australia pours millions into Pacific banks to counter China influence
The worry among the national security establishment is some Pacific Island countries will be forced to rely on Chinese financial institutions, which are pushing into the region.
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World
Angry Biden launches offensive to hold on to job
The US president has dared his critics to “challenge me at the convention” if they want him out of the presidential race.
Putin uses stealth missiles in Ukraine children’s hospital attack
Ukraine accused Russia of using missiles that fly low to the ground to avoid radar and cause maximum damage to target the country’s biggest children’s hospital.
Markets on tenterhooks as French politicians jostle for power
France’s left-wing parties are scrambling for a way to break the political impasse created by President Emmanuel Macron’s snap parliamentary election.
- Analysis
- US election
Defiant Biden faces two make-or-break tests
Just hours before the US president hosts NATO leaders, Democrats plan to meet on Capitol Hill for the first time since the June 27 debate to discuss his nomination.
Zelensky blasts Modi’s visit to Russia as blow to peace
The Ukrainian president said the visit was a “devastating blow to peace efforts”. His comments came on the same day as a missile strike on Kyiv hit a children’s hospital.
Property
Interest rate uncertainty dogs builders as buyers stay away
Less than half of companies polled by Macquarie said they expected sales to increase, even as inquiries for new houses begin to increase from last year’s lows.
The $175b super fund that’s shopping for old London office blocks
With $11 billion in its property portfolio, Aware has been unafraid of going early and hard with a countercyclical strategy. And it means going global.
Now is the time to buy commercial property, says this veteran analyst
Veteran real estate research analyst Sameer Chopra says population growth and the high cost of construction will lead to property values surging.
Foreign land buyers take class action against Victorian surcharge
It’s the latest step in a debate between those who argue taxation based on nationality is discriminatory and state governments that say it’s about revenue.
Home loan size hits record $626,055 as Perth, Brisbane power up
Owner-occupiers are, on average, taking out larger loans than ever before despite the fact the cash rate is sitting at a 12-year-high.
Wealth
How this 29-year-old pilot plans to retire at 50 with $2.5m
From meal-prepping a month in advance to investing in Tesla and Coca-Cola, here’s how one young couple is hoping to retire early.
How to navigate the greatest risk to your portfolio
If inflation is sticky and volatile, many holdings may be more dangerous than you think. Here’s how to drive around the potholes.
Super fund savings will ride out ‘year of elections’: CIOs
But investment chiefs warn that the rise of populism or an increase in US-China tensions could flow through to short-term returns.
Technology
Who are the Chinese hackers named by Australia?
They are based in China’s south and have allegedly operated via a front company called the Hainan Xiandun Technology Development Co.
ASX-listed crypto fund in stoush with co-founder over $29m wallet
DigitalX is heading to court against a former executive over who owns bitcoins linked to collapsed exchange Mt. Gox, which began paying creditors this week.
- Exclusive
- Start-ups
Aussie tech’s climate crisis as start-ups face capital crunch
At least 100 Australian climate tech start-ups need to raise capital in the next nine months to avoid going bust, but say the bar for investment is sky-high.
Work & Careers
Unions hail return of $35m Industrial Court
Unions NSW boss Mark Morey says the court will “help moderate the excesses” of the federal system.
- Exclusive
- Gender equality
The client meeting from hell: how sexism still stalks the C-suite
Culture Amp research suggests that while all men in board positions believe their opinions are valued, 10 per cent of executive women don’t.
Life & Luxury
Are you guilty of these eight unhealthy ‘microaggressions’?
Such behaviour can have a serious impact on mental and physical wellbeing, including depression and sleeping problems, say experts – so it may pay to avoid it.
De Minaur slays his Wimbledon demon to reach quarter-finals
The Australian Alex De Minaur could meet Novak Djokovic in his first-ever Wimbledon quarter-finals.
- Gadgets With John Davidson
- Digital Life
We went from hate to love in no time flat with this electric scooter
It may not have the charm of a Vespa, but this nifty and very reasonably priced bike from Segway gives it a run for its money.
The most glam Olympics of all? Parisians are unimpressed
Plonking games venues among the city’s iconic monuments is an unprecedented experiment that will look grand on TV but its setup in causing street-level chaos.
The all-in-one physical, mental and emotional workout
Kimbali Harding began learning piano as a toddler. The hobby has not just guided her career choice – she can’t imagine her life without it.