February
Take me home, Country Road; eyes on Woolworths SA’s next move
The acquirer interest – understood to preliminary and include industry and high-level due diligence from at least two firms – comes at the back end of a troubling period for Country Road.
Trump halts law banning bribery of foreign officials
The US president said removing the longstanding anti-corruption law will mean “a lot more business for America”.
January
Is the writing on the wall for Australia’s Jewish community?
The next election will be the most consequential in the history of Australia’s Jews. My community can’t endure another three years of this hatred.
On these former farms in South Africa, lions and hippos roam free
When lawyer Colin Rushmere bought 600 hectares on the country’s east coast in pursuit of a conservation dream, he was dismissed as crazy. Now others are following suit.
Israel warns troops off social media after Brazil seeks soldier over Gaza
The incident is the latest example of the legal fallout from Israel’s offensive in Gaza, which has killed more than 45,800 people, according to Palestinian officials.
December 2024
Israel to close Ireland embassy over Gaza tensions
The decision to close the embassy came in response to what Israel’s foreign minister has described as Ireland’s ‘extreme anti-Israel policies’.
McKinsey pays $190m to resolve probes into South Africa bribes
The firm participated in a years-long scheme to bribe government officials in South Africa, according to US officials.
November 2024
Cash to stay king for essential products
The federal government will also call time on the use of cheques in the Australian economy, limiting their use from 2028.
October 2024
BHP backpedals from chairman’s Anglo American takeover talk
BHP has not necessarily “moved on” from its desire to acquire Anglo American, based on the company’s legal response to comments by chairman Ken MacKenzie.
September 2024
Australia’s new pandemic playbook
On the eve of the release of the national COVID-19 review, 10 key actions have emerged for when a similar pathogen hits Australia.
Adairs snares ex-Country Road boss as next chief
Two months on from exiting the turmoil at Country Road Group, Elle Roseby will next year take the top job at the ASX-listed home furnishings and linen company.
Country Road goes cheaper at Mimco, Politix in brand ‘reset’
The high-profile retailer will also launch its first fragrance as part of the overhaul, part of a bid to arrest a slide in sales after a difficult year.
Ukraine’s new foreign minister Is Zelensky’s latest power play
Ukraine’s new foreign minister has cultivated deep contacts in NATO states during postings to Ankara and Warsaw. He’s also close to Ukraine’s wartime power centre.
August 2024
Ex-Levi Strauss executive to run Country Road brand
Just weeks after Elle Roseby left the Australian retailer, chief executive Raju Vuppalapati has appointed a former Levi’s colleague to head the fashion label.
‘We know over 500 customers’ are searching for it’: the big changes coming to DJs
Although shoppers remain cautious, Scott Fyfe and Anchorage Capital are hoping their $250 million revamp will keep consumers spending.
July 2024
Shipping crises ‘spanner in works’ for inflation fight
Australian consumers and retailers are facing long delays and higher prices for goods from Europe and Asia amid an international shipping crisis that could stoke local inflation.
June 2024
Australia crashes from T20 World Cup after epic Afghan win
Australia is heading home from the Twenty20 World Cup elimination after a heavy loss to India and Afghanistan’s enthralling win over Bangladesh.
Why markets like to see new political faces
Whether a government is weak or strong, left or right, doesn’t seem to matter much for economies, but new leaders are associated with higher growth and returns.
Jacob Zuma the disruptor has South Africa’s fate in his hands
Six years after being pushed from office, the former prime minister successfully upstaged his successor Cyril Ramaphosa in national elections this week.
Party that freed South Africa from apartheid loses 30-year majority
With more than 99 per cent of votes counted, the once-dominant ANC had received just over 40 per cent in parliamentary elections – well short of the majority it held.