Huge Bonuses Broke Economy

WITH the economy close to actually starting to shrink, the former governor of the Reserve Bank has pinned the blame for the financial turmoil on executives who took excessive risks to secure multi-million dollar bonuses.

Chartwell Liquidator Plans To Sue Founders

SEVEN months after Geelong-based financial group Chartwell Enterprises sank into administration, owing its investor-clients $54.5 million, its liquidator has flagged plans to sue its founders, Graeme Hoy and the elusive Ian Rau.

Spurred On Or Just Bouncing With Cats

WHEN the stockmarket goes through a meltdown, several days of successive declines are often succeeded by a small upturn. It might appear that the worst is over, but all too often it is what old financial sector hands call a "dead cat bounce" and the market usually continues to fall until it finds its natural bottom.

Agribusiness Outperforms

AUSTRALIA'S listed agribusiness sector has finally been hit by the financial crisis, but nonetheless remains a better long-term investment than the general sharemarket, according to Commonwealth Bank.

Brokers Take Razor To Ten Forecasts As Profit Dives

BROKERS slashed their profit forecasts for Ten Network yesterday after it reported a 79 per cent slump in fourth quarter earnings, and analysts predict further troubles ahead as its weaker ratings and the global financial crisis deter advertisers.

Executive Greed 'has To Cease'

THE Treasurer, Wayne Swan, has urged shareholders to target overpaid executives and signalled greater regulation of unscrupulous mortgage brokers.

Be Wary Of Conflicts Of Interest When Seeking Financial Advice

In the storm engulfing financial markets many are being blamed - greedy investment bankers, short-selling hedge funds and central banks. But while the markets will eventually recover, the systemic conflicts of interest in the financial services industry will continue to afflict small investors.

Sanity Returns, As Fears Shift To Real Economy

THE Australian sharemarket, shorn of short-sellers, dropped almost 2 per cent yesterday as concerns shifted from the risk of financial meltdown to the weakening of the real economy.

Shares Surge Despite Uncertainty

THE Australian sharemarket surged 4.5 per cent yesterday, but the controversial ban on short-selling that underpinned the rise is likely to lead to weeks of uncertainty for brokers, hedge funds and investment managers.

Frat Brokers Plan To Avert Bankruptcy

FAIRY Meadow's Fraternity Club is on the verge of selling its premises to an Illawarra developer in an effort to stave off financial ruin.

For The Brave, Bargains To Be Had

THE first few weeks of the new financial year have been some of the bleakest faced by the real estate investment trust sector for at least 20 years.

Profit Assurance Leaves Room For Doubt

Babcock's shares take a fall as brokers add up the numbers.

Anatomy Of A Collapse

The fall of Opes Prime has shaken the sharemarket and trapped over 1000 wealthy investors in its financial wreckage. Stuart Washington reports.

No Telecommunications Gold Rush Expected After Opel Buried

But brokers say the cancellation will help Telstra keep its regional dominance.

Mfs Reveals 17% Stake Exposed To Margin Calls

SHAREHOLDERS in beleaguered financial services company MFS, now known as Octaviar, face the disruption of margin calls over up to 17% of the company's shares when the company finally resumes trading.

When Brokers Float, Beware The Dive

B&B has declined to put any more money into Tricom in its struggle to find a buyer.

End Of Bell Financial Takeover Talks Could Take Its Toll On Tricom

RAPIDLY shrinking trading house Tricom may be left without an eligible suitor, after talks with stockbroking and financial advisory group Bell Financial broke down.

End Of Talks Could Take Toll On Tricom

RAPIDLY shrinking trading house Tricom may be left without an eligible suitor, after talks with stockbroking and financial advisory group Bell Financial broke down.

Golden Lining To Market's Cloud For Bell Watchers

PUNTERS who missed out on the floats of Bell Financial Group and Austock Group got a second chance, courtesy of the market downturn.

Compensation Bodies To Merge

Investors have a simpler system to air financial grievances but advocates say it's not enough.