The search is on for the 2025 Best Places to Work.
REA lobs $12b fourth bid at UK’s resistant Rightmove
The Murdoch-backed REA has just days left to win over the British online property listing behemoth, as a “put-up-or-shut-up” deadline looms on Monday.
Big super says cutting bank investments will hurt members
“Without funding from super funds, banks would be much more dependent on volatile foreign capital,” AustralianSuper chief strategy officer Paula Benson says.
- Analysis
- Inside China
China’s stimulus no bazooka, but urgency has arrived
China’s efforts to stimulate its economy this week were welcomed and the fight against a slowing economy appears to be on.
Optus communications ‘manifestly inadequate’ in 2023 phone outage
Senators want new rules to force telco groups to keep the public updated when phone and internet connections fail.
- Exclusive
- Private schools
The suburbs where nearly every child goes to a private school
In some suburbs, parents don’t ask whether to go public or private; it’s more a question of which private school to send their kids to.
‘At tipping point’: Inside one of Australia’s busiest hospitals
Doctors and nurses in Australia’s busiest emergency ward say the system is under unprecedented pressure amid a surge in mental illness and geriatric patients with nowhere else to go.
Australia’s 10 most powerful people in 2024
There are three new faces on the Power list – plus some big swings in the ranking.
Get our expert take on the race to the White House plus receive our weekly World View newsletter to make sense of the global impact. Exclusive to subscribers.
Edition
AFR Magazine – Power 2024
The hotly anticipated lists of Australia’s most powerful people in 2024.
Smart investor
The best and worst retirement calculators revealed
Wildly different answers emerged when the same scenario was plugged into dozens of super funds’ retirement calculators. Now a consumer group is demanding higher standards.
The $52b side hustle economy offers a shot at getting rich
The ATO estimates there are around 1 million side hustlers, including a fast-growing group of white-collar workers who dream of going into business for themselves.
- Opinion
- Investing
Commercial property prospects that might excite Warren Buffett
If Warren Buffett applied his investing philosophy to Australian commercial property, what might he buy?
- Opinion
- Investment banking
Why now may be the right time to invest in private credit
The Australian market for private credit is at an earlier stage of development, but attracting investment.
- Opinion
- SMSFs
How to get your kids more tax-free super when you die
Re-contribution strategies allow you to withdraw money from super and put it back again to minimise tax for whoever inherits it. Such strategies are making a come-back, particularly in SMSFs
review
- Opinion
- Gender equality
Young women are leaving men behind (and not only at uni)
Females are now not only more likely than males to be caring for family members, but also to be in work or full-time education.
- Opinion
- US Votes 2024
Without his father’s support, Trump would have been nothing
A new book exposes Donald Trump’s financial failures via the sheer accumulation of detail. It also raises a bigger question about the “fake it ’til you make it” ethos of modern America.
Out in the cold: Why housing is just one problem for Labor
Unless Labor can dig its way out of its parliamentary quagmire, it faces the real possibility of ending up in minority government – or worse.
The West Wing is 25. Writer Aaron Sorkin explains the ‘walk-and-talk’
The show has become a cultural touchstone and, in an interview, its creator speaks about why he believes the politics were mostly beside the point.
- Analysis
- Genocide
A genocide is under way in Sudan yet the world is silent
When an Arab militia rampaged through Maryam Suleiman’s village in the Darfur region of Sudan last year, “so many men were killed, like grains of sand”.
The best of travel, fashion, cars and more, straight to your inbox every Saturday.
Companies
Dan Murphy’s parent Endeavour rocked by CEO exit
Over three decades Steve Donohue rose from the Dan Murphy’s shop floor to the top job. On Friday, he shocked the market with his departure.
- Opinion
- Chanticleer
Endeavour Group CEO’s last drinks a chance to reset
Steve Donohue knows booze and retail as well as anyone, but shareholder diplomacy was a challenge. Good luck to whoever takes over.
New gas projects approved, but supply buffer shrinks
Labor has approved two small gas projects in Victoria, hot on the heels of a new warning over gas being shipped overseas.
‘At tipping point’: Inside one of Australia’s busiest hospitals
Doctors and nurses in Australia’s busiest emergency ward say the system is under unprecedented pressure amid a surge in mental illness and geriatric patients with nowhere else to go.
Fight or fold? Coles, Woolies face the angry shoppers they ‘fooled’
With its bombshell allegations this week the ACCC has given the big supermarkets two options, neither particularly palatable. Do they fight or do they fold?
Competition watchdog dissects Namoi takeover
Undertakings provided by Singapore’s Olam may be insufficient to approve a takeover of Namoi Cotton, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission says. .
Ex CBA banker Jon Waldron jailed for bribery
The former CBA technology executive was sentenced to a maximum of six years and eight months prison on Friday, following a conviction in May.
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Markets
Why a rising $A is good news for the RBA and rate cuts
The Australian dollar has leapt US5¢ since August and is expected to climb further as other central banks cut interest rates and the RBA stays put.
Rajiv Jain’s GQG cops $725,000 fine for muzzling would-be whistleblowers
US regulator hauls up the fund management giant for violating whistleblower protections by making staff sign overly restrictive non-disclosure agreements.
Oil falls on report OPEC+ set to lift output in December
Saudi Arabia is committed to dropping its unofficial $US100 a barrel price target to win back market share, the Financial Times also reported.
ASX closes at fresh record high, Star dives 44pc
Shares rise; Endeavour Group loses CEO; ACCC concerned about Olam Agri - Namoi Cotton plans; Woolies, Coles under pressure post ACCC report. Follow updates here.
What happened overnight? Materials and tech boosted the S&P 500
Australian shares were set to open higher. The S&P 500 broke its closing record. Iron ore topped $US100. Gold and copper rallied. Oil sank on a Saudi rethink.
Opinion
Keeping vigilance over our big super risks
Australians now have a mountain of capital saved in their super system. But size brings its own challenges.
Editorial
RBA’s Bullock now has a bigger megaphone. But what should she say?
It’s possible the inflation problem is not about overheated demand, but rather the supply bottlenecks caused by lagging productivity.
Editor-at-large
Labor’s smoke and mirrors on housing
Jim Chalmers and Anthony Albanese face much tougher questions about their economic agenda than the confusion about negative gearing and capital gains taxes.
Columnist
Inflation makes or breaks this year’s Power list
The power rankings reveal the splintering of traditional political power in a two-party system that is emerging alongside the economic strains.
Editorial
Why now may be the right time to invest in private credit
The Australian market for private credit is at an earlier stage of development, but attracting investment.
Managing Director at UBS Global Wealth Management Australia
Resorting to riddles on negative gearing treats voters as mugs
This week showed the government’s performance remains far from polished when events wander off script.
Political editor
Reports
Technology - Valuation shift
This special report looks at shifting valuations for tech companies in public and private markets, plus how AI will change work.
Politics
Labor won’t pursue negative gearing changes, Shorten predicts
The former Labor leader says he is sure the government won’t take changes to property investor tax breaks to the next election.
Dutton’s nuclear policy put to the test
Several of the fundamental arguments made by Opposition Leader Peter Dutton to underpin the Coalition’s nuclear policy do not convince independent energy experts.
Jewish group rejects calls for Sydney Uni’s Scott to resign
Sydney University boss Mark Scott has been under intense pressure to resign over his mishandling of antisemitism on campus. But not everyone agrees.
- Updated
- Middle East tensions
Wong warns Israel against ‘next Gaza’ war
In a speech at the United Nations, Penny Wong said Lebanese civilians should not pay the price of Israel’s campaign to clear out Hezbollah from southern Lebanon.
- Updated
- AUKUS
‘Utterly untrue’: Keating berates Marles over AUKUS defence
Paul Keating launched fresh criticism of the $368 billion agreement, part of internal Labor squabbling over the pact, which has not gone unnoticed in the UK and US.
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World
- Analysis
- Middle East tensions
Why Netanyahu is Harris’ election nightmare
The Israeli prime minister continues to thumb his nose at Washington, and a wider war might well be the very October surprise Kamala Harris fears.
‘Asian NATO’ backer to become Japan’s new PM
The country’s ruling party picked former defence minister Shigeru Ishiba as leader, setting him up to become prime minister, a move that risks irritating China.
- Updated
- Australian economy
China’s stimulus blitz ‘very very good’ for Australia: Chalmers
The treasurer, who is on a visit to Beijing, says iron ore exporters will remain under pressure amid slowing housing and infrastructure projects in China.
One year on from October 7, the attacks still reverberate
As it prepares to mark the first anniversary of the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust, Israel is risking a wider regional war.
China’s newest nuclear sub sinks in blow to modernisation
China’s newest nuclear attack submarine has sunk in a shipyard accident, in a setback to the country’s attempts to overtake the US in a naval arms race.
Property
- Exclusive
- Luxury property
‘Induces laziness’: $6m east coast headland hits market
One of Queensland’s original newspaper dynasties has offered their Capricorn Coast retreat for the first time in 90 years.
ACCC green light for $1.3b Lendlease, Stockland estates deal
The divestment is one of a number of major initiatives that Lendlease boss Tony Lombardo is pursuing in a radical overhaul of the global developer.
- Exclusive
- Commercial real estate
Adrenaline rush, light and sound show planned for Mornington cable car
Plans by Rich Lister Peter Gunn and NAB director Simon McKeon for Arthur Seat Eagle on the Mornington Peninsula include a thrilling luge ride.
- Exclusive
- Office
Brookfield to sell $480m stake in tower that Cartier calls home
Singaporean property giant UOL will buy Brookfield’s half stake of 388 George Street, which will be managed by Investa once the deal is completed.
Goldman Sachs’ old headquarters turned into $5850-a-month apartments
Both city and state are seeking ways to encourage more conversions to help alleviate New York City’s housing shortage.
Wealth
Parents’ eye-watering education bills don’t end with school
Helping kids get started in life has arguably never been more expensive. Plan and save early, experts say. We’ve also found the most generous scholarships available.
- Exclusive
- Rich families
Rich Lister wealth secrets revealed after 30-year loophole ends
Two years after removing an exemption that allowed Australia’s richest families to keep details of their private companies secret, their financials are filtering through.
- Exclusive
- Rich families
How the daughters of Westfield’s John Saunders invest
Previously unreported filings for Terrace Tower, owned by the late businessman’s family, reveal assets worth $1.85 billion. But it has been a bumpy two years.
Technology
Cannon-Brookes-backed Spaceship acquired in $80m deal
The superannuation fintech, backed by Airtree and Grok Ventures, has been bought by eToro in an all-scrip deal.
Meet the ‘actionable futurist’ who demystifies tech for the C-suite
Futurist Andrew Grill reckons execs will struggle to make good decisions about deploying tech in their businesses if they’re not actively using it themselves.
How a Caramello Koala helped catch Coles and Woolies out
As consumers’ belts tightened, price-sensitive shoppers vented their frustrations online on Reddit, TikTok and X. The ACCC, it seems, was listening.
Work & Careers
‘Gold rush mentality’: Lawyers pile into AI advice
Lawyers are taking advantage of uncertainty around the legal implications of artificial intelligence use to build out new practices in the area.
Legal privilege an ‘attraction’ in law firm’s consulting play
HPX Group chief executive Nick Humphrey says rolling consulting services into a legal practice means clients have a better chance of taking advantage of legal privilege.
Life & Luxury
‘Ambulance chaser of the art world’ to hang up his retouch brush
After 40 years as one of Australia’s leading art conservators, David Stein is calling time.
Women-only gallery’s court win: ‘30 seconds to squash the patriarchy’
Hobart’s Museum of Old and New Art will be allowed to reopen its Ladies Lounge and exclude men after Tasmania’s Supreme Court found it didn’t breach anti-discrimination law.
Meet the AC/DC-loving chief doctor who eats by example
Outgoing Australian Medical Association president Steve Robson says prevention is the only cure for Australia’s sick health system.
The remarkable history in Heeney’s magic mark
Hard lessons learned through elite sporting administration taught these two Australian business partners invaluable lessons for navigating the corporate sector.
AFL boss warns against reform that would eradicate local bookies
In a wide-ranging interview, the AFL boss says he is also considering other marquee events to grow the sport.
