BUSINESS

Has Australia Blown the China Boom?

'Falling export prices a risk to surplus' says today's front page headline in the Financial Review. The article draws on a recent report by Chris Richardson at Deloitte Access Economics. The crux of the argument is that the mining investment boom is about to peak. Given China's slowdown, there are no new big projects on the horizon. So Richardson reckons the mining boom has two years left, max.

Evolving Agencies – A Quick Look at the Different Models

Recently a BRW Cover had the title "Secrets of the Real Estate Industry" in big bold type with a sub heading stamp, "What they won't tell you", written by Nassim Khadem and heavily featuring Andrew Blanchut from PropertyNow. The article really takes a dive in the deep end and have some pretty strong words for real estate agents, just look at this quote from Andrew!

Caltex Closes Kurnell Refinery

Caltex announced on Thursday that after a review, it has decided to shutter its Kurnell refinery in Sydney. The closure of the 57-year-old facility by mid-2014 would cause the loss of over 300 jobs.
More news

Australian Stock Market Report – Afternoon 7/25/2012

Local stocks ended slightly lower today, recovering from heavy losses earlier in the day on the back of a tame inflation report. The core inflation data (CPI) was released today, showing a 0.5pct rise in the June quarter, for an annual increase of 1.2pct, showing inflation in Australia is well and truly contained. By close, the All Ordinaries Index (XAO) was down 9.8pts or 0.2pct to 4151.4, off its earlier lows of 4114pts.

SA Police Busts $2M Car Parts Theft Ring At GM Holden

The South Australian police busted the illegal operation of a group believed to be responsible for the $2 million theft of car parts owned by GM Holden, which were pilfered from the carmaker’s Salisbury East assembly facilities in Elizabeth.

Australian Stock Market Report – Midday 7/25/2012

The Australian share market opened lower this morning after overseas markets continued to fall overnight. The concerns over European debt, growth and miss management continue to rock market. Weaker than expected European manufacturing data and more drama in Greece also added to the pain.

HSBC Accused of Handling Drug Money

According to some critical reports from the US Senate released on Monday, the Britain based bank HSBC has been handling drug money from some of the most secretive and notorious corners of the world including Iran, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Mexico and the Cayman Islands.

Gas Price Set To Surge?

By Greg PeelAugust is statistically one of the worst months of the year for natural gas prices, which makes sense given August represents high summer for the bulk of the world's gas consumers.

Manulife and Prudential Shortlisted for Malaysia Sale by Aviva

Among the four buyers who have potentially moved on to the second stage in the bid for the insurance business of Aviva in Malaysia are companies like Manulife and Prudential Plc. According to reports from the sources the deal is worth nearly about 500 million dollars.

NAB Hikes Business Loan Interest Rate by 20 Basis Points

National Australia Bank (NAB) announced on Tuesday that it will increase on July 30 its interest rates on business loans by 20 basis points. The bank explained it had to hike rates because of strong competition for deposits and higher funding costs.

Australian Stock Market Report – Afternoon 7/24/2012

Local stocks managed to finish in positive territory today, as investors embraced better than expected Chinese economic data and as merger and acquisition activity boosted retail players. By close the All Ordinaries Index added 2pts to finish at 4161, a pretty positive outcome given the weak offshore lead and fact the market was trading down to the tune of half a percent at one stage during the day. The benchmark ASX 200 Index (XJO) added 4pts or 0.1pct to 4133.2.

Multi-Billion-Dollar Private Label Takeover in Australia

New research predicts that by 2017 Australians will be spending $31.8 billion dollars per year on home-brand (also known as “private label” products or “supermarket brands”) products, which will account for more than 30% of supermarket sales. International business information research firm, IBISWorld, today released the results of its survey into private-label spending by Australians.

Australian Stock Market Report – Midday 7/24/2012

he Australian share market remains in the red in the early session, but importantly the selling isn't as significant as what we saw on US and European markets overnight. Investors there sold out of equities on ongoing concerns about the Eurozone debt crisis and after companies missed earnings expectations, including bellwether McDonald's. Locally, investors are treading water ahead of the release of the flash HSBC manufacturing gauge out of China, and a speech by RBA Governor Glenn Stevens...

Apple, Samsung Patent War Rages On

There is no stopping Apple and Samsung from waging their legal battles as top executives by both firms failed anew to seal a deal that could end their year-long conflict, according to reports by Reuters.

Non-Mining To Drive Future Oz Growth

- Mining sector growth slowing- Government spending reversing- RBA easing- Non-mining the next growth driverBy Greg PeelEconomic forecaster BIS Shrapnel has just released its Long Term Forecasts 2012-2027 report in which it attempts to identify drivers for the Australian economy into the greater dis...

Report Confirms Abuse in HSU East Funds Handling

More charges of Health Services Union (HSU) funds misuse were confirmed Monday on union officials, similar to charges made by HSU Executive President Kathy Jackson on embattled MP Craig Thomson.

NAB Exec Foresees Banking Jobs Shrinking

A UBS forecast that banks in Australia would axe several thousands of positions over the next two years was validated by a National Australia Bank (NAB) executive on Monday.

Uranium, Two Pounds For A Benny

By Andrew NelsonIt was yet another dull week on the spot uranium market last week, marked by slim volumes and another minor price decline.

Coles Warehouse Workers End Blockade, Accept Toll Pay Hike Offer

The more than two weeks industrial action at Coles warehouse in Somerton, Melbourne finally ended on Monday night. The workers agreed to terminate their strike, lift the barricade and accept the wage increase offer from Toll Holdings, the operator of the largest warehouse of Coles in Australia.

Australian Stock Market Report – Afternoon 7/23/2012

European debt concerns once again weighed on investor sentiment today, causing the local share market to post its biggest once day loss since early June. After rising almost three percent over the course of last week, the best weekly gain since December, the share market today fell 1.7pct on the back of losses on European and US share markets. That was the biggest one day drop on our market since June 4th. Fears the European debt crisis continues to grow saw investors bail out of equities across...

Google Freezes Market Availability of 16GB Nexus 7

Problems on its supply chain and early screen complaints apparently overwhelmed the normally cool internet giant as Google announced on Monday that will stop taking online orders for the hit Nexus 7 tablet.

China Promises a $20 Billion Expansion in Africa

China is still interested in the expansion of its own businesses in Africa. Hence at the summit held in Beijing, in which took part 50 African leaders, president Hu Jintao made an important announcement.

Mercedes-Benz Reveals Inflatable Seatbelt Technology

German safety pioneer Mercedes-Benz will start fitting inflatable rear passenger seatbelts to its vehicles, in a move that will make the brand the second automaker to employ the safety technology behind Ford.

Australian Stock Market Report – Midday 7/23/2012

The Australian share market opened weaker this morning after overseas markets sold off on Friday. Once again European debt concerns and a pull-back in global iron ore and coal prices along with end of week profit taking took its toll on markets.

Pages