Our Team

James KirbyAssociate Editor – Wealth

James Kirby, Associate Editor-Wealth, is one of Australia’s most experienced financial journalists. James hosts The Australian’s twice-weekly Money Puzzle podcast.He is a regular commentator on radio and television, the author of several business biographies and has served on the Walkley Awards Advisory BoardHe was a co-founder and managing editor at Business Spectator and Eureka Report and has previously worked at the Australian Financial Review and the South China Morning Post. Since January 2025 James is a director of Ecstra, the financial literacy foundation.

@kirby_journo

Latest

WealthWealth

CBA retakes crown as king of the ASX

Battered BHP’s valuation is sinking as Commonwealth Bank surges to become the biggest stock on the Australian sharemarket.

James Kirby

WealthWealth

Wealthy rich retirement, people at luxury home money generic

Nouveau riche holiday abroad as economy falters

New data exposes the spending patterns of Australia’s affluent and how that’s changing the way investment markets work.

James Kirby

WealthWealth

Where do the wealthy put their money?

Sydney-based banks are winning over the nation’s wealthiest as new data analytics allows them to pinpoint special products for rich customers.

James Kirby

WealthWealth

DAILY TELEGRAPH 27TH NOVEMBER 2023Pictured is signage at the start on the new Rozelle Interchange on Victoria Road.The word TOLL on the signage led to motorists avoiding the free tunnel linking the Iron Cove Bridge and the Anzac Bridge, which bypasses Victoria Road, resulting in a huge traffic queue.Picture: Richard Dobson

Industry super funds lose their edge

The deep commitment to unlisted assets at leading industry funds is now dragging on performance, and the problem may last for years to come.

James Kirby

WealthWealth

Canberra decision brightens outlook for advice sector

After hitting rock bottom in recent years the financial advice industry is waking up to competition at the top end and a breakthrough allowing big super to enter the market.

James Kirby

WealthWealth

The manager looks at the chart printed on a transparent material

Why is the financial advice sector struggling to hire?

The financial advice sector is posting strong returns but it can’t attract new recruits to the industry, so what is the problem?

James Kirby

WealthWealth

Latin descent man and woman struggle to pay their monthly bills. They are calculating expenses versus budget income and are upset. Many invoices, laptop on living room coffee table. Children in kitchen background. Mid-adult age couple. Frustration among middle-class people. Great imagery for election season: home finances, recession, past due bills, mortgage, debt, stress, worry, taxes.

Cost of living leads to spike in mortgage extensions

Mortgage holders are asking banks to push out the life of their home loan – saving money in the short term but building very big debts for the future.

James Kirby

WEALTHWealth

Your Money superannuation generic images. Hands reaching out to take a slice of super cake with dollar sign on top.

Super did well in 2024 but don’t expect it every year

Surging sharemarkets at home and abroad are underpinning a return to superannuation funds for the year that beats the long-term average.

James Kirby

WealthWealth

Centrelink, Station Rd Woodridge and pawnbroker / cash loan businesses.

Why middle Australia is borrowing from pawnbrokers

The cost-of-living crisis is pushing a greater number of middle class Australians than ever to use the most expensive finance option available – the services of a pawnbroker.

James Kirby

WealthWealth

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NewsWire Photos FEBRUARY, 12, 2021: General view of a Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) branch in Sydney. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Bianca De Marchi

Short sellers take another charge at CBA

Commonwealth Bank shareholders are being rattled by a new short attack on the nation’s No.1 bank – but why?

James Kirby

Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/author/james-kirby/page/12