Tag: News Desk

In this podcast, Leon and Garry talk about Treasurer Wayne Swan’s raft of bank reforms while the Senate economics committee has hearings into the banking business, Australia’s super system is to be manipulated, new figures show that despite the mining boom, the real economy is struggling with vehicle sales down, personal credit shrinking, dwelling commencements falling, low business confidence and more businesses expected to call in corporate undertakers and consumer confidence edges up.

In this news podcast, Leon and Garry talk about interest rates being put on hold – for now. But evidence suggests that latest interest rate rise has put pressure on the construction industry and BIS Shrapnel says it was premature. Also, could a Wikileaks cyber war be hitting Australia? Press play and have a listen.

Leon and Garry talk about Telstra’s shares soaring with the Government getting the NBN legislation through parliament. What’s next, and how is the business model shaping up? Plus, a look at the new anti-siphoning laws and why they provide wins for both free-to-air TV and pay TV.

Commonwealth Bank raises its mortgage rate on top of the RBA’s interest rate hike. Meanwhile the inflation index for Australia is picking up. And Joe Hockey appears to be on a winner with his plans to control the banks: he and the Government are now in a game of one upmanship to bring the banks into line. Leon and Garry discuss all these headlines and more in this news podcast.

The top business story of late has been the Singapore Exchange’s bid to take over the Australian Securities Exchange. Leon and Garry examine the growing political opposition to the bid and the conditions under which the Government might approve the merger.

Not even a sore throat can keep Garry away from the news desk this week. He and Leon discuss the near-certain likelihood of an interest rate rise before the Melbourne Cup, as well as James Packer's surprise sharemarket raid on the Ten Network and its consequences, plus all the latest business news in this episode of Talking Business.

In this podcast, Leon and Garry talk about the soaring Australian dollar with the NAB predicting it will hit $US1.10 in the next six months. Treasurer Wayne Swan warns that it could erode tax revenue with manufacturing, agriculture and tourism the hardest hit. Exporters are calling for government assistance to offset the impact of a strong dollar.

In this podcast, Garry and Leon look at the Reserve Bank’s decision to keep interest rates on hold – for now. But the big four banks will give the RBA until next month to raise rates, or they say they will go it alone. In other news, the Department of Finance looks at $2.4 billion in cuts to pay for the pledges it made during its negotiations with the Independents, and the Housing Industry Association predicts a steep fall in housing starts as the federal stimulus measures fade.

Leon and Garry talk about the difficulty getting the legislation for the NBN through Parliament. But the Government needs to hurry as Telstra wants to have the NBN finalised by Christmas. Telstra has also released its latest renewal plan. Meanwhile, its share price has fallen to an all-time low.

RMIT economist Jonathan Boymal talks about the drop off in lending finance and dwelling unit commencements. Although the numbers send mixed messages, businesses and consumers do appear to be exercising greater caution in their financial practices of late.

RMIT economist Alberto Posso talks about the latest well-being figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Australians are richer, living longer and better educated. And while income inequality is increasing, the poor are better off than they were 10 years ago.

This episode of Talking Business features an interview with Jannine Fraser, founder and managing director of outplacement specialists Directioneering, which offer career strategy and guidance to people who leave or lose their corporate jobs. She reveals the striking difference in the approaches men and women take when they exit senior roles at organisations and how this might impact the future of management hires.

Leon and Garry talk about how Australians should be bracing themselves for more interest rate rises, possibly four, as the RBA manages the largest minerals boom since the 19th century. Meanwhile, the Aussie dollar soars to a two-year high, and while Australia’s commodity forecaster predicts a jump in commodity exports, consumers continue to tighten their belts.

Leon and Garry talk about rising business confidence masking patchy business conditions. Consumer sentiment has dropped and fewer people are taking out loans; however, more people are using their credit cards. Meanwhile, a new report from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows Australians are wealthier and living longer.

Garry and Leon talk about the new Labor government just scraping back into office. Download the podcast to find out how it will affect the outcomes of Australia’s credit rating, the mining tax, the NBN and more, plus all the latest in business news.

In this podcast, Garry and Leon talk about the surprising growth in Australian GDP and soaring gross operating profits. Confidence among Australian farmers has reached a two and a half year high with rising commodity prices and winter rains. But unemployment is rising and companies are paying out less with dividends.

This week’s podcast is abuzz with news about China. Leon and Garry discuss China’s overtaking Japan to become the world’s second biggest economy and the implications for Australia.

In this week’s podcast: Garry and Leon talk about the RBA holding interest rates at 4.5%. Despite that, evidence suggests that inflation is building a head of steam and economists expect interest rates of 5% by the end of the year. Plus, more on housing prices, the mining boom, and Optus’ advantage over Telstra.

In this podcast, Simon McKeon, executive chairman of Macquarie Bank and chairman of CSIRO, talks about his vision for CSIRO and the status of scientific research in Australia, its problems and its promise for Australia’s future.

Developing a successful product requires a firm grasp of several issues, followed by careful planning and implementation. In this second article in his four-part series, Sergei Plishka shares his '10 Commandments of Product Design'.