- Exclusive
- Carbon challenge
Shell says ‘dysfunctional’ rules putting energy transition at risk
The London-listed group’s local chairwoman, Cecile Wake, says high hurdles for its gas projects are now emerging in its big renewable generation portfolio.
Australia’s most powerful deal makers in 2024
If investors step up and hit the bid on those valuations, the market will see real momentum. If not, it will be the same painful conversation about dry powder next year.
RBA overhaul on life support after Greens demand rate cuts
The Greens will not support the creation of a specialist monetary policy board until the RBA cuts interest rates, potentially killing treasurer Jim Chalmers’ signature reform.
ASX to drop from record as traders brace for more RBA hawkishness
Futures indicate the ASX 200 will drop 0.8 per cent at the opening bell on Monday after a week of optimism. Markets in the US closed slightly lower on Friday.
- Exclusive
- Telecommunications
AusSuper’s mobile towers empire slumps deep into the red
The country’s largest superannuation investor was already at odds with its partner, Singtel-owned Optus, over a delay in rolling out network infrastructure.
George Alex’s boast: I’m untouchable because CFMEU ‘need money’
The organised crime boss bragged that the union deemed his firms “untouchable” on building sites because union officials needed their “kickers”, according to police surveillance.
- Analysis
- Media & marketing
Seven West Media stokes tension behind the scenes at Seven Group
The broadcasting and publishing empire accounts for just 0.6 per cent of the broader conglomerate’s total assets. It accounts for much more of its problems.
The best of travel, fashion, cars and more, straight to your inbox every Saturday.
The best of travel, fashion, cars and more, straight to your inbox every Saturday.
Companies
Is private equity unhealthy for our hospitals?
Billions of dollars have poured into healthcare assets over the past decade. Some warn that style of investing is incompatible with essential services.
- Exclusive
- Franchising
BOQ prepares for showdown with franchisees as it buys back branches
The bank has set aside $125 million to buy out branch owners in an abrupt reversal of its strategy.
South32 to reap $243m from Biden’s battery spending spree
South32 has joined mining minnow Element 25 as a major beneficiary of the Biden administration’s efforts to create a supply chain independent of China.
Britain’s Rightmove knocks back REA’s sweetened $11.5b takeover offer
The largest property listings platform in the UK still believes a takeover bid from the News Corp-backed real estate giant undervalues its business.
ASIC wants crypto start-ups to hold financial services licences
The corporate regulator will appear at the AFR Crypto and Digital Assets Summit on Monday with a warning to developers in the polarising sector.
- Exclusive
- Property investment
Republic Hotel goes into administration as financiers chase $90m
Financiers have given embattled hospitality group Virtical one month to pay $90 million in loans.
Myer investors grow impatient over new strategy as growth stalls
The mid-market department store was expected to outline its growth plans next month. That has been delayed as it considers buying up well-known fashion brands.
Companies in the News
Search companies
View stories and data from an ASX listed company
Markets
Ophir’s prediction for the ASX’s next 10-bagger
Shares in a2 Milk, Afterpay and Northern Star earned the coveted status for Ophir and its co-founder Andrew Mitchell. He predicts Life360 will be next.
How this billionaire ran his hedge fund like a baseball team
Steve Cohen’s decision to step back from trading and focus on running Point72 underlines a redemption since an insider trading scandal.
- Opinion
- Cryptocurrencies
Blockchain revolution won’t wait for Labor to catch up
Blockchain needs to be regulated properly before more investors take the plunge. Yet, the Albanese government is still missing despite its earlier pledges.
- Opinion
- Investing
Want a roll-up play that actually works? Try software, for now
Two billionaires and their companies – Canada’s Constellation and ASX-listed WiseTech – have soared in the past decade. Others worry things are about to turn, writes Jonathan Shapiro.
- Opinion
- Interest rates
Don’t expect a victory speech from Michele Bullock any time soon
Rate cuts have begun and the Federal Reserve estimates the US cash rate closer to 3 per cent next year. But where does that leave Australia?
Opinion
Suddenly the RBA seems very isolated
Australia’s central bank looks neither hawk nor dove on monetary policy. It seems more of a shag on a rock in a sea of interest rate cuts.
Economist
Quad on shaky ground as US election nears
Leaders including Anthony Albanese insist the security dialogue will survive once Joe Biden leaves office, but the weekend’s outcomes suggest otherwise.
United States correspondent
Israel and Iran must stay away from the brink
Outside Hamas, nobody in the Middle East has much to gain from an all-out war. But that does not make the off-ramps from conflict any easier to find.
Editorial
Want a roll-up play that actually works? Try software, for now
Two billionaires and their companies – Canada’s Constellation and ASX-listed WiseTech – have soared in the past decade. Others worry things are about to turn.
Senior reporter
America’s first post-election task is rebuilding its credibility
The election remains Trump’s to lose. But the chaos that might follow if he doesn’t win is now concentrating minds among US regional allies.
International editor
Why ‘free’ childcare is bad for working parents
Further childcare subsidies will likely require an explicit new tax rise to fund it. Billions of dollars of more debt can’t be added to the national credit card.
Economics editor
Reports
Executive Education - lifelong learning
This special report looks at lifelong learning, focusing on the impact and efficacy of leadership courses designed for top-tier managers and business leaders.
Politics
Dutton argues the case for nuclear energy, but cost still unknown
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton says nuclear power plants will outlast renewable electricity sources, as he seeks to use Labor’s attacks to his advantage.
Drop in spending gives Labor cost-of-living flexibility
Ahead of an election campaign expected to start as early as March, departments have been told the mid-year budget will focus on consumer-focused issues.
- Exclusive
- Aviation
Voters want more action to cut airfares, open to Qantas-Jetstar split
The results of The Australian Financial Review/Freshwater Strategy poll will give succour to Coalition transport spokeswoman Bridget McKenzie.
- Exclusive
- Technology & democracy
China and Russia want to rule the Web. The West is trying to stop them
In backrooms at the UN in New York, a battle is quietly being fought between liberal democracies and authoritarian governments over who rules the internet.
- Exclusive
- International students
$4b economic pain from student cuts, much more to come
Universities have enlisted state treasurers in their bid to stop migration reforms they say are damaging and counterproductive.
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World
Israel, Hezbollah launch bombing blitz as region ‘on the brink’
Israel says it struck around 400 targets in Lebanon, while Hezbollah targeted a key Israeli airbase, in the most intense bombardment in almost a year.
Critical mineral exporters edge closer to US breakthrough
Anthony Albanese pushes Joe Biden to classify Australia’s critical minerals as “American made” to win favourable treatment, as allies counter China’s grip on the sector.
- Analysis
- US Votes 2024
Trump is pledging ‘mind-boggling’ tax cuts he can’t deliver
Whether he is speaking to retirees, CEOs or tipped workers, the former president is promising tax cuts in swing states that could cost trillions.
Zelensky to push Biden for advanced weapons to end war
The Ukraine president will meet Joe Biden in Washington this week, and will ask him to provide an official invitation to join NATO.
Humiliated Hezbollah eyes new tactics in Israel war
The Iranian-backed militant group is under pressure to change its strategy after a series of devastating attacks.
Property
Buyer’s market appears to have arrived, but it may not last long
A deceased estate in Sydney that sold for $325,000 above reserve has bucked the trend of falling auction clearance rates as homes flood onto the market.
Where sellers scored a $600,000 profit flipping houses
Houses around the country sold within two to four years of purchase rewarded sellers with handy solid profits, according to CoreLogic.
The $660k home that has no heating or cooling costs
Higher thermal standards make homes more comfortable and cheaper to run. And they don’t have to be that much more expensive to build.
Auditors warn WeWork hubs face ‘uncertainty’
Even though the co-working giant’s US parent has emerged from bankruptcy with considerably less debt, its local loss-making operation faces “significant doubt”, its auditors say.
Holiday home rentals ‘not to blame’ for sky-high UK house prices
A global backlash against Airbnb properties has brewed in recent years, and some cities such as New York are severely restricting the company’s activity.
Wealth
Three ways the ASX has changed and what investors can do next
Finding yield, good value and diversification on the ASX is getting harder. We asked experts what investors can do to overcome the challenges.
- Opinion
- SMSFs
$1 trillion: Millennials drive SMSF ‘renaissance’
SMSFs are undergoing a renaissance thanks in part to interest from Millennials. But it’s not all good news because many operate without any expert guidance.
Can I access my super to save my business?
Using your superannuation for anything other than its intended purpose – your retirement – can be a legal minefield.
Technology
LinkedIn has (quietly) announced it scrapes your posts for AI
LinkedIn has quietly launched new policies outlining how it scrapes posts and personal data to train AI models. What you need to know (and how to turn it off).
They have 31m followers - but you’ve never heard of these YouTube superstars
Bounce Patrol has more followers than Beyonce, operates out of a quiet Melbourne street, and is helping YouTube transform from the home of DIY videos to a major TV broadcaster.
Microsoft’s climate hypocrisy on AI
The tech giant has marketed AI technology to ExxonMobil and Chevron as a powerful tool for finding and developing new oil and gas reserves.
Work & Careers
- Opinion
- Flexible working
WFH is hugely more productive than CEOs admit
Demands for workers to return to the office full-time have a rose-tinted view of in-person work.
$30k for honours degree makes switching careers an expensive choice
Older generations are being lumbered with more student debt and for longer as students try to negotiate an irrational and unfair system.
Life & Luxury
This billionaire has an AFL grand final ticket. Good luck to the rest
For the first time since 2006 two non-Victorian teams will contest the AFL Grand Final at the MCG, and flights and accommodation are as much of a battle as tickets.
Teenagers slam dancing to 1990s heroes Spiderbait? It happened here
The rock veterans from Finley, NSW still play like a band thirty years their junior - and attracted many fans that age to the Enmore Theatre on Saturday night.
The About Time Watch Weekend winds down
For two consecutive weekends, more than 1000 AFR subscribers and readers attended hourly appointments with 15 of the world’s finest watchmakers.
How Donna Hay changed the way we eat
Watching the cook perform her signature pasta twirl up close, one appreciates the elegantly simple approach to cooking which made her a household name.
- Driving With Tony Davis
- Motoring
The fastest car in the Mercedes-Benz line-up has arrived in Australia
The German maker’s exterior design director takes us on a close inspection of the new Mercedes-AMG GT.
From the gallery
The Australian Financial Review Magazine
Australia’s most powerful deal makers in 2024
- 10 mins ago
- Sarah Thompson, Kanika Sood and Emma Rapaport
Life & Leisure
What happened to squash? This financial adviser says it serves him well
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