Featured Opinion
Inflation helps government dodge interest rate bullet
The June quarter figures were not good, but they also weren’t as bad as feared. That is likely to give the Reserve Bank breathing space to keep interest rates on hold next week.
Columnist
August reprieve but no interest rate relief yet
Inflation remains sticky, well-above the 2 per cent to 3 per cent target band, and has basically moved sideways.
Editorial
Jabiluka was cancelled by edict from above
The decision to mine the uranium deposit or not should have been taken by the parties involved, not through the high-handed intervention of an anti-nuclear government.
Former miner
Productivity is the key to taming inflation for good
Either governments and business improve the supply side of the economy, or the RBA will have to keep squeezing demand indefinitely.
Contributor
Why the $3m super tax has turned into a mess
It may seem hard to argue against making people with high superannuation balances pay more tax, but implementing it is a dog’s breakfast.
Economics editor
Inflation stays sticky, but it won’t force RBA rate rise
The consumer price figures were not as bad as feared, but inflation remains persistent and higher-for-longer interest rates will be required.
Economics editor
Rex turmoil flies into airline competition confusion
The Transport Minister seems too inclined to accept Australia’s two-airline syndrome, that a third player on the busiest routes will inevitably be trampled by Qantas.
Editorial
BHP’s energy transition truths
The peaking of iron ore and coal and the need to shift to new sources of income has left the threadbare reform agenda exposed. In fact, it’s worse: it is going backwards.
Editorial
Yesterday
- Opinion
- Chanticleer
The PE takeover battle that is like pulling teeth
Once a board has decided a takeover isn’t about the highest price, it enters the deal-making twilight zone. This one is a doozy.
- Anthony Macdonald
- Opinion
- Chanticleer
Shadow of JPMorgan’s Dimon hangs over red-hot Aussie banks
Huge share price runs are great for the banks. But they also create an unexpected problem for bank bosses.
- Anthony Macdonald
- Opinion
- Chanticleer
Investors should ignore CPI drama and focus on these five questions
The inflation story for the ASX is largely unchanged: price pressures remain uncomfortably high, and the RBA has little scope to support a weakening economy.
- James Thomson
- Opinion
- Superannuation
What to do to with your SMSF if you’re moving overseas
The Tax Office requires trustees to pass three tests if they wish to maintain tax benefits.
- Meg Heffron
- Opinion
- Chanticleer
Spluttering China the big risk to Rio Tinto’s new growth era
Rio boss Jakob Stausholm says the miner is at a growth inflection point and is relaxed about China’s apparent weakness. But sentiment towards resources is souring.Â
- James Thomson
- Opinion
- Chanticleer
Microsoft’s $334b sell-off is a sign of healthy AI doubts
Microsoft smashed analysts’ forecasts in the June quarter, but it still wasn’t enough to please a market that has bet too heavily on the AI revolution.Â
- James Thomson
- Opinion
- Israeli-Palestinian conflict
The real danger that Trump would pose for Ukraine
Agreeing to Russia’s demand for a neutral Ukraine, as a new Republican presidency might, could leave the country at the mercy of Vladimir Putin’s long-term ambitions.
- Gideon Rachman
- Opinion
- Chanticleer
743 days later, ANZ has little to cheer as Suncorp deal closes
After more than two years, ANZ’s $4.9 billion acquisition of Suncorp is finally complete. But the mood inside the two companies is wildly different.Â
- James Thomson
- Driving With Tony Davis
- Opinion
Meet the Lamborghini V12 hybrid Revuelto
The brand’s new flagship is sure to trigger the emotions of its new owners, but that’s what you’d expect for a $1 million outlay.
- Tony Davis
July
- Opinion
- Chanticleer
Why Qantas isn’t a big winner from Rex turmoil
At first glance, Qantas looks the obvious winner from the turmoil at Rex. But the aviation sector’s comeback kid won’t be cheering this mess. Â
- James Thomson
- Opinion
- Chanticleer
Fortescue plunge reveals huge shoes to fill
Fortescue was fortunate to have such a sticky institutional backer for as long as it did. Now, it needs to find broader support.
- Anthony Macdonald
- Opinion
- Letters to the Editor
Look to Arizona for nuclear reality
Reader letters on nuclear power; energy rebates; the CFMEU scandal; inheritance and adult children; and the NSW changes for landlords.
- Opinion
- Chanticleer
Why Australia’s No.1 hospitals business poached a supermarkets boss
Ramsay Health Care chairman David Thodey is trading in deep industry knowledge and expertise for a consultant’s mindset. Will it work?
- Anthony Macdonald
- Opinion
- Australian economy
Australia can’t afford for economic security to trump trade in Asia
Economic diplomacy that builds interdependence with China in critical minerals and green energy will contribute to Australian prosperity and security, not detract from it.
- Shiro Armstrong
- Opinion
- Sharemarket
Three ASX companies jockeying to be the next biotech winners
Clarity Pharmaceuticals reports it eliminated prostate cancer in a patient; LTR Pharma wants to sell nasal viagra; and Opthea has clinical trial results soon.
- Tom Richardson
- Opinion
- Australian economy
Why the Productivity Commission is wrong about green subsidies
The independent government agency has an outdated neoliberal mandate that needs an ESG makeover.
- Jeremy Cooper
- Opinion
- Gas
We need to clear the runway for new gas supply
Growing acceptance from governments of the role of gas in the energy transition is yet to translate into actions to clear the backlog of projects stuck in regulatory approval purgatory.
- Samantha McCulloch
- Opinion
- Chanticleer
$3b deal shows how BHP dusted itself off and tried again
Mike Henry was disappointed his $75 billion takeover bid for Anglo American failed. But his latest deal helps to show investors he has many other ways to play the copper bull story.Â
- James Thomson
- Opinion
- Luxury fashion
The luxury industry is falling from its elevated heights
The broader fall in luxury consumption has come as a shock to an industry accustomed to attaining ever greater heights, apart from in its pandemic slump.
- John Gapper
- Opinion
- Chanticleer
Investors are asking the wrong questions on interest rates
From the RBA to the BoJ to the Fed, the market’s obsession with interest rates will go into overdrive this week. But it may be leading investors down the wrong path.Â
- James Thomson