Nearly 130,000 Australian businesses have had their risk profile downgraded since October 2008, with many now at a higher risks of experiencing financial distress over the next 12 months as the economy deteriorates further, according to Dun & Bradstreet. The figure is the largest number of downgrades Dun & Bradstreet have had to perform ever […]
Yahoo has recorded an 80 percent drop in first quarter profit as online advertising slows, with many companies reducing their marketing spend in light of the financial crisis. Yahoo said first-quarter net income fell to $US117.6 million ($165.7 million), from $US536.8 million in the same period a year earlier. The decline is said to be […]
First home buyers are flooding into the market aided by low interest rates and the first home buyers grant, however this is causing a considerable amount of debt, with the average first home buyer borrowing $51,000 more than those who took out a mortgage 12 months ago. New analysis conducted by first home buyer website, […]
Research conducted by Universities Australia has indicated that investing in higher education could boost the economy. The KPMG study estimates the return on investment in higher education to be 14-15 percent, double the benchmark set for good investment at the long-term bond rate of 6-7 percent. Universities Australia has called on the Government to invest […]
The Federal Government is set to crack down on tax cheats, who exploit legal loopholes, in order to create more jobs and boost the economy. According to News Limited reports, the Government will target tax breaks used by the wealthy. One tax measure being considered by the Government is abolishing a loophole that allows hobby […]
A Senate inquiry into the Government’s proposed Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) has heard the scheme should be put on hold until the economy recovers, according to Caltex Australia Ltd. spokesman Frank Topham. He said emissions were less likely to rise during tough economic times and a delay would be appropriate. “We believe (the ETS) should […]
The ANZ’s decision to provide specialist assistance to small businesses experiencing difficulties in the current climate, has been welcomed by Federal Small Business Minister Craig Emerson. Last week Dr Emerson met with representatives of the major banks and the Australian Bankers Association to discuss ways that the banks can reach out to small business, and […]
The National Independent Retailers Association has called for a third round of economic stimulus from the Federal Government, specifically targeted to small business. According to Assosciation president Bob Stanton, recent cash injections have only assisted big business and supported overseas product suppliers, and that more should be done to boost the small business sector. However, […]
In an address to the Australian Institute of Company Directors in Adelaide yesterday, RBA Governor Glenn Stevens confirmed that Australia is in fact in a recession. In his “Road to Recovery” speech, Mr Stevens pointed to a global recession, with virtually all of Australia’s trading partners contracting. “Whether or not the next GDP statistic, due […]
One of Apple’s new iPhone ads is targeting small business by showing them how they can use iPhone applications to process credit card transactions, print shipping labels and check on the delivery of an order. In an effort to offer a variety of business solutions for small business, the ad claims “there’s an app for […]
