Warren Buffett’s departure as Berkshire Hathaway chairman marks a turning point for the company he built. As his successors take charge, the rise of AI is raising fresh questions about the value of his patient, long-term approach to investing. (more…)
Category: Finance
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Both opposition parties have superannuation in their sights
The Coalition and One Nation are again targeting Australia’s superannuation system, despite evidence it has reduced pension reliance and warnings that early withdrawals could fuel inflation and weaken retirement savings. (more…)
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Finally a ban on unfair trading – but big gaps remain
Australia’s new unfair trading laws are a major step forward, but gaps covering financial services, personalised pricing and exploitative product design could leave consumers exposed to serious harm. (more…)
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Banks claw back credit card rewards
Banks are clawing back rewards as new credit card fee rules threaten their profits, raising bigger questions about competition, cash and who ultimately benefits from Australia’s card system. (more…)
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Fighting inflation without making inequality worse
Interest rates are a blunt tool for tackling inflation, and can hurt the people least able to absorb higher costs. (more…)
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The US$1.2 trillion bet that AI pays on time
AI may live up to the technological hype while disappointing investors. Vast infrastructure spending is being financed on fixed schedules even as returns remain uncertain and hardware ages quickly. (more…)
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Home electrification is an investment hiding in plain sight
For self-funded retirees, home electrification can cut energy bills, reduce exposure to petrol and gas prices, and add value to the home. (more…)
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Subsidised but unaccountable: the religious charity gap
The Government must address a gap in the charity framework, namely the exemption for religious charities having to be transparent about the benefits they receive. (more…)
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The facts about Australia’s income tax system
Chris Minns has suggested that Australians work half the week just to pay their income tax? The numbers tell a different story. (more…)
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Farming in a flammable future
Drawing on the on-farm financial experience of John Mitchell, a grazier in New South Wales who saved his family farm, this article sets out strategies farmers can use to prevent wildfire damage and deal with its consequences (more…)
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The real budget problem is what we call “spending”
Debates about debt and deficits overlook a central issue – large amounts of “spending” are hidden in tax concessions, subsidies and underpriced public resources. (more…)
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Australia’s superannuation pivot to America: prudent strategy or moment for pause?
Australian super funds are rapidly increasing investment in US tech and AI, concentrating risk and tying retirement savings to systems linked to modern warfare. (more…)
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Keating welcomes changes to taxation of super
Yesterday the Government made some key changes to its superannuation tax scheme, after struggling to get the plan through the Senate. Paul Keating says the changes restore confidence in the retirement savings system. (more…)
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Loot boxes are still rife in kids’ mobile games, despite ban on ‘gambling-like’ features
In September 2024, Australia introduced a new classification approach for games with gambling-like content. (more…)
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The outlook for house insurance is much worse than we’re being told
The big news on house insurance this week was the response of the insurance industry’s peak body to a parliamentary committee’s extensive criticisms of its treatment of people claiming on their policies after the massive floods of 2022. (more…)
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For-profit health insurance not adding up
An unprecedented standoff between health insurer NIB and the St Vincent’s Health Australia has captured headlines for the potential high out-of-pocket costs for thousands of hospital patients. (more…)