Alan Kohler is one of Australia’s most experienced commentators and journalists. Alan is the founder of Eureka Report, Australia’s most successful investment newsletter, and Business Spectator, a 24-hour free business news and commentary website. He also hosts Inside Business, a half-hour Sunday programme on the ABC, is the finance presenter on the ABC News - and producer of the nightly graph (or two).
The market was already factoring in a tapering of QE before Ben Bernanke's comments last night, and the fact we saw a mass exodus from risk assets suggests the Fed's program might have worked too well.
Bad loans in China's provincial businesses have been as high as 80 per cent because rural banks are beholden to the demands of local officials. It is critical for China's rural development that these banks stop receiving bailouts.
The implementation of Queensland’s Health Payroll system will be remembered as one of the most disastrous IT projects in Australia's history. How did things go wrong? And is a $1.25 billion lesson enough to ensure that the bungle isn't repeated?
Labor’s ambitious NBN vision looks to be on its last legs but that hasn't stopped NBN Co from carrying on with its business. The Coalition isn't going to like the new Transfield deal but then again it has bigger fish to fry right now.
The implementation of Queensland’s Health Payroll system will be remembered as one of the most disastrous IT projects in Australia's history. How did things go wrong? And is a $1.25 billion lesson enough to ensure that the bungle isn't repeated?
A final evaluation from the Central Victorian Solar City provides another insight into the household electricity demand fall – and the potential for further reductions.
CEOs outline changing views on corporate spending and profits, their economic expectations and political dissatisfaction, including advice for Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott.
UK-based Zeebox wants to be the intermediary for all social media-television interactions. It will not only have to lure viewers, but the networks themselves.
The appetite for tablet computers in the region continues to grow, however, the primacy of Apple’s iPad is under threat from Android tablets and Windows Surface.
Better battery technology lies at the heart of taking wearable devices mainstream and a little push from the likes of Apple and Samsung won't hurt either.
Google's pilot program to offer internet access through a network of balloons isn't as crazy as it sounds. In fact it's another example of how combining out-of-the-box thinking with a big budget can lead to interesting innovation.
The Chinese telco equipment maker is also the world's fifth-largest smartphone maker, but it needs to improve its brand image to truly compete with the likes of Apple and Samsung.
The new mobile OS and its user interface redesign have a little bit of everything but still seem like a work in progress. For Apple, being familiar seems to be the end goal.
The idea of iOS in the car did manage to turn a few heads at WWDC 2013 but it will take a long time before Apple can make any money from this. However, it's a significant opportunity for the ailing auto industry.
Immune from the turmoil gripping the video game industry, mobile game developers are scrambling to make the next big hit. But the real challenge for the industry lies in finding a sustainable model.
The latest improvements in iOS 7 and OS X mean a richer, more engaging experience for Apple’s consumers. While the debate continues about Apple’s role in the enterprise, it won’t give up its lead innovator crown without a fight.
Microsoft has at least delivered on its promise of a powerful Windows-based tablet and the Surface Pro is a good deal for those who have substantial investments in existing Microsoft technology. However, shortish battery life and a lack of cellular connectivity are two big deficiencies.
There's some concern that the continued growth of iOS and Android will push Windows out of the picture. But that's not necessarily the case and there will always be room in the market for Microsoft's efforts.
