Special Reports
Swiss business
Switzerland is now one of the top 10 countries investing in Australia. And Swiss companies employ growing numbers of people here.
CFDs
Contracts for difference can maximise your returns but plenty of caution is required if you don’t want to lose your shirt.
Online trading
ASIC examines CFDs, brokerage battle yielding dividends, the joy of FOREX and the appeal of offshore offerings, all in the Online Trading special report.
Defence
Despite government reassurances, the Department of Defence is concerned that its long-term strategy may be undermined by the rigours of financial reality. Plus: competition heats up for construction contracts; Afghan exit deadline dilemma; and the changing face of spies.
Import & export
National regulators and smart trucks are expected to transform the way the freight task is handled.
Energy and Infrastructure
New liquified natural gas finds are set to further strengthen Australia’s resources exports, particularly to China. Meanwhile, the major players in the infrastructure sector are looking for financially sound variations on the traditional PPP model.
Corporate capital
Investors can expect a flood of initial public offerings once equity markets show signs of stabilising but until then governments and private equity owners will be reluctant to sell.
Super Portfolio
After soaring to become the largest superannuation sector, the growth of DIY super may be interrupted by a reduction in contribution limits.
Fleet management and corporate aviation
In the spotlight: safety, savings, SUVs and more. A recent High Court decision may throw more responsibility on fleet managers for driver welfare, Mark Lawson reports.
Global investor
Investing offshore can deliver rewards. Mark Lawson explains how fund managers avoid some of the pitfalls.
Islamic Finance
Sharia way blocked by tax treatment; changes needed to attract worldwide Muslim investment; get creative, find fresh markets and more in the Islamic Finance special report.
Resources
Play on for partners in LNG game; Chinese queue up for huge deals; and new nickel process makes laterite worthy in the Resources special report.
Henry Review: One year on
Federal Labor came to power promising a “root and branch” overhaul of Australia’s tax system. A year on from Ken Henry’s review, what has changed?
Green business
Efficiency the common sense energy option; Flight ban takes carbon offsets to next level; Copenhagen outcome reveals flaws and more in the Green Business special report.
Corporate philanthropy
How charity can pay a dividend; Business of giving taken to heart; Lessons in a corporate world and more in the Corporate Philanthropy Special Report.
Investing in residential property
Investors are coming back to housing. Housing finance commitments for rent or resale – the leading index of investor activity – has jumped by about 20 per cent during the past year.
Improving your cashflow
Now crisis conditions have eased, companies would be wise to put into practice what they have learned.
Fund manager of the year
If the Australian funds management industry is serious about overcoming an image problem to rival that of banks, it has challenges ahead.
