$A on the outer as Future Fund gets set for rates to fall
The federal government’s $100 billion Future Fund has cut its exposure to the Australian dollar and positioned itself to profit from the Reserve Bank cutting interest rates, as the nation’s largest investors seek shelter from a deteriorating domestic economy. The Fund took its biggest-ever exposure to foreign currencies just before the Australian dollar embarked on its dramatic slide.
How to invest in low-growth times
What does “income recession” mean for your investment strategy? The prospect of virtually zero real deposit rates may force even more investors into equities in the search for any kind of income.
What surplus? Coalition blows the things that matter most
Stopping asylum seeker boats has been the federal government’s signature domestic policy success but it’s in serious trouble on the things voters really care about.
High price for falling foul of the ATO over DIY super
There has been an alarming increase in the number of self-managed superannuation fund trustees and directors being declared “disqualified persons” by the Tax Office.
What one little fingerprint says about the future of banking
There’s a wave of new products coming out of the innovation laboratories of the major banks as they fend off attacks from nimble start-ups coming at them on all sides.
How plunging oil prices affect the global economy
Investors have been scrambling to adjust their share portfolios after Saudi Arabia’s decision to launch a price war against US shale producers sent oil prices tumbling.
Don’t call us tax dodgers, say Australia’s rich
Tax advisers to wealthy Australians say the bulk of their clients are European migrant families who came to this country with little, and have built up their wealth but are not avoiding tax.
Sex, drugs and Victorian politics
There’s an argument that the old parliamentary system doesn’t work so well in our new reality. For political leaders, that could mean permanent political gridlock and extremist views.
Bronwyn Bishop’s one big regret
False modesty is not one of Bronwyn Bishop’s faults and she loathes people playing the “victim”, but there is one moment she wishes she’d done things differently.
How the Murray inquiry affects you
If history is any guide, the financial system inquiry will shape banking for years to come.
An expat’s journey through China’s smog-laden healthcare hell
Daniel Wolf | Flying back to Beijing after a period of absence, I feel the familiar anxiety.
Empty-nesters downsize in style
A new generation of empty-nesters is seeking custom-made small spaces.
All eyes on Koch after Bradken reveals bid
Gresham and JPMorgan are advising private equity firms Pacific Equity and Bain Capital on their $870 million tilt at mining services play Bradken.
Beyonce. Miley make Aussie bikini hot
Miley Cyrus is a primary reason that an e-tail bikini business is selling $25 million worth of triangles a year.
Young and outraged in Hong Kong
Predictions pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong would be over in a few days misread the passion of youth.
Success is not a secret
There is plenty of evidence that shows how to make a company perform well says rock-climbing management guru Jim Collins.
Chanticleer’s Chook Roast awards 2014
Pugilism, a poisoned chalice and whacking profits help propel some perpetrators onto our annual plaudits list.
Silicon Valley clears homeless away
Californian council workers have begun dismantling a notorious homeless camp known as “The Jungle” in the heart of affluent Silicon Valley.
Financial Review wins top business Walkley
The Australian Financial Review has taken home the top prize for business journalism at the 2014 Walkley Awards. Read our stories here.
Murray inquiry calls for cap on fees to banks
Exorbitant credit card surcharges could soon end. The financial services inquiry led by David Murray is reportedly calling for a ban on all outrageous surcharges.
A road trip through the west(s)
Rear Window | I’m writing from Room 19 at Nambucca Heads’ opulent Miramar Motel, where the majestic Nambucca River meets the Pacific Ocean.
How to grow an international sport event
From idea to kitesurfing event that it’s hope will draw Richard Branson to compete.
In North Korea, leader’s name not taken in vain
There is plenty that is off-limits to North Koreans. TVs that receive anything other than government broadcasts. Bibles. And now, the name Jong-un.
National
Carol Mills found to have misled Senate over CCTV spying
The future of the controversial public servant who runs Parliament House is uncertain after a Senate committee found she gave misleading evidence about her involvement in the use of CCTV footage to spy on a senator.
Politicians’ afterlife in business often not so heavenly
As stereotypes go, politicians are only considered marginally more trustworthy those in big business. So putting the two together should be a match made in heaven.
Opinion
Nice for Eric, not so for Mount Gibson
Until very recently Koolan Island was home to a remarkable oceanside iron ore mine.
China tries prising us from the US
China has embarked on a new charm offensive, the aim of which was to persuade us Beijing wants to shift perceptions.
Holiday homes – to rent or own?
Searching for a holiday house can be almost as fun securing one, especially on the Mornington Peninsula.
World
China arrests former security chief
China’s former domestic security chief, who has been under investigation for months in an anti-corruption inquiry, has been expelled from the Communist Party and arrested, the official state news agency said.
- Jobs surge bolsters case for higher rates
- Morgan Stanley to pay more of bonuses immediately
- NASA’s new Orion spaceship records flawless debut
- Bundesbank pares 2014-2016 growth forecasts
- What plunging oil prices mean for the global economy
- Cuba plays ball over US-bound star athlete
- S&P edges Italy's credit rating closer to junk
- ‘No evidence of cancer’: JPMorgan's Dimon
Designer penetrates the dark side of Givenchy
As Riccardo Tisci mulls his 10-year reign as creative director at Givenchy, the streetwise Italian philanthropist talks of how a trip to the couture house’s archives shaped his vision for its future.
Business
Estia shares plunge after IPO
Shares in aged care operator Estia have plunged after listing on the ASX, falling as much as 17 per cent from their $5.75 issue price in a horror market debut.
- In cyclone-prone north Qld, insures are losing out
- Bradken gets takeover bid from Pacific Equity Partners and Bain Capital
- Origin Energy rating unscathed by oil price dive: S&P
- Mount Gibson Iron to shut Koolan Island mine, lay off staff
- Qube, Aurizon reach Moorebank intermodal terminal deal
- Atlas Iron increases savings after job cuts
- Rio Tinto CEO Sam Walsh aims to ward off new Glencore bid
- Rio, BHP close in on $US6b copper mine deal
- Moguls take on power of big banks
Budget crisis holds Australia to ransom: Solomon Lew
Retail magnate Solomon Lew has called on the government not to smash confidence in the looming mini-budget, and says he’s not sure if a double dissolution should be held.
Technology
CBA invests $5m in UNSW quantum computing centre
Commonwealth Bank of Australia has invested $5 million in a world-leading push by Australian technology researchers to build the first silicon-based quantum computer.
- What to know about Nintendo 3DS and other tech festive gifts
- Aussie Bitcoin firm Coinjar flees GST to set up in UK
- FBI warns of ‘destructive’ malware in wake of Sony attack
- UK peer-to-peer lender targets Australian businesses
- Payments platform builder to be announced
- Government backs push for tech companies to deliver user data
- Old money chases the new, new thing – again
- All eyes on technology in the financial systems inquiry
- NBN pushing ahead with rollout to extra 1.9m premises
Jumping Sumo, and other gifts not to be trifled with
There’s a problem with most phone- and tablet-controlled toys that zoom around your floor teasing your pets.
Markets
How to invest in low-growth times
What does “income recession” mean for your investment strategy? The prospect of virtually zero real deposit rates may force even more investors into equities in the search for any kind of income.
- Jobs surge bolsters case for higher rates
- Wall St extends rally into seventh straight week
- Greenback soars, $A sinks, on renewed rate bets
- $A on the outer as Future Fund gets set for rates to fall
- European shares rally, DAX sets record close
- Copper, nickel retreat as $US rallies on jobs data
- ASX posts weekly gain despite energy failure
- RBA rush to neutral bias was a mistake, economists say
- China shares cost 12pc less in Hong Kong
Biggest winners and losers of global oil price crash
Oil prices around the world have fallen more than 38 per cent since the year's high in June.
Personal finance
Holiday homes – to rent or own?
Searching for a holiday house can be almost as fun securing one, especially on the Mornington Peninsula.
- How to invest in low-growth times
- Insurance against tragedy well worth it
- Downsize without the squeeze: rethink your living space
- Brace your share portfolio for volatility
- Batten the hatches for storms gathering abroad
- Why banking’s ‘big nine’ would be a win for taxpayers
- The true cost of ‘free’ mortgage advice
High price for falling foul of the ATO over DIY super
There has been an alarming increase in the number of self-managed superannuation fund trustees and directors being declared “disqualified persons” by the Tax Office.
Lifestyle
Mid-air movie magic
Whether you’re watching in-flight movies courtesy of your airline or video on your laptop, aircraft noise is still a major drag.
Hottest tickets for summer sporting action
Gifts for him | Forget socks. A ringside seat this summer of sport is the perfect Christmas present for the man in your life.
10 top thrill-seeking pursuits
Gifts for him | Release his inner action hero with an adventure that takes it to the limit.
Tasmanian whisky: great southern drams
Barely a month goes by without hearing of some new achievement for Tasmania’s malted barley finest.
Latest TV
Rates drive property speculators
What could be the impact of a February rate cut on property speculators - and SMSF?
Government ends year on an economic down note
The government has ended the year struggling
This summer’s can’t miss sports events
This summer is shaping up to be jam packed with world class sporting events, but can you fit it all in?
Preview: Murray financial system inquiry
The Murray financial system inquiry could make banks stronger but poorer, and financial advice safer.
