AUDUSD0.6516-0.0000(-0.00%)-0.00%SPI 2008,767.004.00(0.05%)0.05%S&P/ASX 2008,807.10-24.30(-0.28%)-0.28%All Ords9,076.60-25.40(-0.28%)-0.28%NZX 504,726.424.55(0.10%)0.10%Hang Seng24,858.82-222.81(-0.89%)-0.89%Nikkei41,820.48761.33(1.85%)1.85%View allBookings are now open for our Watch Weekend in September. Secure your place at our Melbourne or Sydney events.Book nowBig fourWestpac chief tears up playbook as he attempts major workplace resetAnthony Miller is joining ANZ chief executive Nuno Matos in reversing the cautious approach at the country’s big banks in the years since the royal commission.The AFR View | Banks’ new brooms signal cultural shift in corporate AustraliaOpinion | Macquarie spent $2.3b on tech in a year. But was it bang for buck?Earnings seasonJB Hi-Fi CEO resigns with big investor paydayThe electronics retailing giant, which also operates The Good Guys brand, said sales had grown 10 per cent to $10.6 billion over the last financial year.OpinionChanticleerGoldman’s strategy to hedge US stagflation risk with six ASX stocksAustralia’s gold producers have been struggling to keep up with peers. Strategists at this Wall Street giant reckons that’s an opportunity to play defence.Israeli-Palestinian conflictAlbanese government poised to recognise Palestinian stateFederal cabinet is expected to discuss recognition of a Palestinian state on Monday, just hours after Benjamin Netanyahu lashed the intended action as “shameful”.LiveMarkets LiveASX to waver; Santos extends due diligence, JB Hi-Fi sales jumpShares tipped for little changed; JB Hi-Fi names Nick Wells as new boss; Santos suitor needs ‘more time’; Eagers and Mitsubishi seal new deal; Origin’s board refresh. Follow live.PotashRio Tinto aims to cut BHP’s potash lunch as it tests low-cost miningAs BHP pours tens of billions into conventional potash mining in Canada, Rio Tinto is trying a novel approach in the hope it will dramatically lower costs.LiveNeed to KnowAl-Jazeera staff killed in Israeli strike on GazaFive Al-Jazeera staff were killed in an Israeli strike on Gaza; the PM is preparing to recognise a Palestinian state; Benjamin Netanyahu attacks Australia and defends a new military offensive in Gaza. Follow live.How it soldThe $7.4m sale that shows wealthy buyers are stirring againAIWhy the headlines about AI are so divorced from realityDriving With Tony DavisMotoringCadillac’s first-ever EV is a head turner – but is it worth the price?Time Out Q&AThe stress buster this Sydney VP turns to when work overwhelmsAn insightful look at the week’s biggest tech stories, deals and trends delivered free to your inbox every Tuesday.Sign up for The Download newsletterAI juggernaut Nvidia stalks Firmus’ pre-IPO round7.46amUrbnsurf calls in bankers to ride $75m recapitalisation5.00amLactalis out in front as Fonterra’s Mainland auction draws to closeGoldman’s strategy to hedge US stagflation risk with six ASX stocksNetwork or nuisance? Aurizon’s ‘beyond coal’ dream turns into hot messTrump’s shock Fed pick will keep this market rally running (for now)Corrs’ $7 million man Gavin MacLaren adds a consulting side hustleJustin Hemmes appeals nightcap knock-backThe $36b Santos deal (brought to you by Stephen Conroy)AdvertisementMonday fundieThe fundie who's made his name on well-timed contrarian tradesSolaris Investment Management’s Michael Bell isn’t afraid to swim against the tide, which is why he’s taken a decent position in the iron ore giant.Food & drinkSushi Hub sold $200m of sushi last year. Now it wants a $1b valuationThe fast-growing chain’s founders have so far rebuffed multiple private equity approaches, even as they prepare to open their 200th store and expand globally.RailAurizon in discussions to sell $4b stake in Qld rail networkThe country’s largest listed freight business has spoken to private infrastructure investors and hedge funds in what could be its biggest shake-up in 15 years.White collar crimeThe ‘charismatic’ investor at the centre of a $253m fraud caseChris Marco convinced 151 investors to give him their savings, in some cases to fund their retirement. The prosecution alleges he gave them returns, but skimmed millions they didn’t know about.Federal budgetFederal budget faces billions of dollars of ‘funding cliffs’Incoming briefs to ministers show the effect of looming shortfalls within 18 months, when at least 100 programs and likely dozens more will see funding expire.SoftwareIress spruiks ‘transformation’ as it ponders interest from PE suitorsThe developer of a popular stockbroking platform has posted flat profits but says the turnaround of its business is under way, with money available for growth.Health insuranceBupa to cut 150 head office jobs as insurers face cost pressuresThe health insurer says it is cutting office jobs to spend more on mental health clinics and digital healthcare.CryptocurrenciesASX queries crypto director’s trades and deals with her dadDigital investment manager DigitalX has faced a series of questions from the ASX over its new director Ieva Guoga and her dad, an ex-professional poker player.Earnings seasonBusiness banking gains have CBA investors awaiting a bumper dividendThe country’s largest lender will report its full-year earnings this week, leading financial updates from a number of rivals. Analysts expect a record result.Media & marketingYouTube closes gap on Netflix among Australian TV viewersNetflix’s hold over television screens has weakened while YouTube, Disney+ and sport platforms have surged, according to a new report.GoldMiners abandon their gold hedges in the hope of bigger windfallsBullish producers are rejecting the security of guaranteed prices and betting bullion will remain above $5000 an ounce. But some say that is a big risk.Legal professionKWM China splits from insurance scheme amid investigations, lawsuitsA decision on the King & Wood Mallesons alliance may come as soon as next year, when the Chinese division reviews its Eversheds Sutherland relationship.Managed fundsFundies leave Paddington as Cannon-Brookes’ family office moves inAnnie Cannon‑Brookes’ Smart Collective has set up shop at the discreet Paddington hub that was once home to John Singleton, Mark Carnegie and heavyweight fund managers.SharesASX set for flat start before RBA decision, earningsThe S&P/ASX 200 Index is set for a muted open this week, as economists anticipate the RBA will slow the pace of future rate cuts.InvestingThis fundie thinks Monash IVF is a bargain after embryo mix-upsDatt Capital pounced on the collapse in Monash IVF shares, which helped his small companies fund return nearly 40 per cent over the past year.OpinionInterest ratesWhy investors should be worried if Powell blinks early on ratesThe current path of sticky inflation in the US eerily mirrors that of the 1970s, when the Fed committed a historic policy blunder.OpinionInvestingThis markets veteran worries AI is pushing us to breaking pointMatt King, who has spent his career studying market systems, says our individual and collective systems aren’t coping with new technology, writes Jonathan Shapiro.Investment bankingMacquarie spent $2.3b on tech in a year. But was it bang for buck?As well as pay and culture, shareholders are closely scrutinising the board’s credentials and whether the group’s issues are partly linked to its tech approach.Joyce MoullakisAssociate editorAIWhy the headlines about AI are so divorced from realityNews about artificial intelligence is manifestly failing to bring a decent level of insight about exactly how it is being used and what it will end up doing.Pilita ClarkColumnistWestpac Banking CorporationBanks’ new brooms signal cultural shift in corporate AustraliaThe conversations at Westpac and ANZ about boosting productivity could become an increasingly common part of the new culture in corporate Australia.The AFR ViewEditorialTrade warsTrump’s memo to Canberra: America alone can’t deter China over TaiwanGiven the nature of the Trump administration, the confrontation with Australia over committing to defend Taiwan could blow up into a major crisis.James CurranInternational affairs expertMedicareTrump’s trade war is not the only threat to cheap PBS medicinesAustralia’s health system is rightly celebrated, but its outdated assessment processes are a big threat to patient access to cutting-edge therapies.Monique RyanFederal MPProductivityWhy discipline is declining fast among young professionalsThe critical skill needed for advancing your career, and life in general, is fading out — and especially fast among young adults.John Burn-MurdochContributorReportsWealth: Alternative assetsThis special report explores the risks and opportunities of investing in alternative assets.View all10storiesAdvertisementIsraeli-Palestinian conflictNetanyahu slams ‘shameful’ Australia over Palestinian state supportRejecting starvation in Gaza and a “global campaign of lies”, the Israeli leader spoke to foreign media before an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.Israeli-Palestinian conflictPalestinian recognition possible without wiping out Hamas: BurkeHamas control of parts of Gaza would not be a barrier to recognition of a Palestinian state, says the Home Affairs Minister.AFR reader poll‘Let the market decide’: AFR readers against Allan’s WFH politicsAbout 72 per cent of readers say the Victorian government’s proposed mandate is not needed, and only 19 per cent support the premier’s plan.AviationAirbus warns Australia is ‘sleepwalking into fuel crisis’Australia imports more than a quarter of its liquid fuels from China. Global aviation giant Airbus says it can make it locally – and sustainably.Need to KnowVictoria to slash red tape to fast-track new homesVictoria announces new scheme to speed up building approvals; WA mulls two new public holidays; Richard Marles insists the PM and treasurer are on the same page with tax reform. Follow live.Inside ChinaXi Jinping tightens grip over China’s scandal-hit military eliteThe Chinese leader’s crackdown reveals how deep his concerns run, not just for battlefield readiness but about political survival.AnalysisTrump diplomacyTrump faces MAGA blowback for condoning Netanyahu’s new Gaza planBy rubber-stamping the next stage of Benjamin Netanyahu’s war, Donald Trump will face political risk at home, especially among young MAGA voters.UpdatedRussia-Ukraine warEuropean allies reject Trump’s Ukraine land swap with PutinVolodymyr Zelensky has been shoring up international support ahead of a meeting between the US president and Vladimir Putin this week aimed at ending the war.OpinionRussia-Ukraine warPutin is manipulating Trump on Ukraine, againThe Russian leader will use the meeting in Alaska with the US president this week to advance his hopes of dominating Ukraine.Trade warsHow Trump’s global tariff deals could unravel at any momentThe president is increasingly tying trade policy to geopolitics, meaning he could raise tariffs on a whim, leaving countries irate and mulling retaliation.AuctionsBalmain cottage with dodgy roof sells for $600k above guideTuesday’s expected interest rate cut is likely to inject energy into the auction market, as volumes begin to build ahead of the spring selling season.PubsIndebted publican Jon Adgemis lists Melbourne pub for saleThe receivers are selling a Melbourne hotel for about $8 million, market sources have revealed, as the ATO pursues Adgemis for $162 million.HotelsDeveloper Goldfields acquires WA’s Sorrento Beach Resort for $30mProperty developer Goldfields has snapped up a Western Australian resort for about $30 million in a deal that took two-and-a-half years to pull together.Property developmentGold Coast developer Devine brawls with business partner over financesThe dispute between the veteran real estate mogul and his funders has already felled one project and is threatening a second, high-end construction project.Luxury propertyKirribilli record more than doubles as CEO buys $41m waterfront mansionThe purchase by Quantaco chief executive Anthony Sullivan is the latest deal recalibrating trophy home prices along Sydney’s lower north shore.AdvertisementWealth Generation6 steps to building wealth in your 30sA globetrotting tour guide in his 20s, Ashley Bishop arrived home with little money, few qualifications and a sinking feeling about the future. This is how he got his financial life on track.Penny WiseA neobank is offering a great SMSF term deposit rate. Can I trust it?Digital banks are governed by the same licensing arrangements and protections as regular banks.InvestingThe big risk isn’t investing – it’s your savings accountAustralians have more money in savings accounts than the sharemarket. We’re probably poorer as a result.AIGodfathers of Australian AI cash in as businesses play catch-upWoolworths-owned Quantium has become sought after in boardrooms as executives and directors seek crash courses in how to ride the AI wave.Trade warsNvidia, AMD to pay 15pc of China chip sale revenues to US governmentThe quid pro quo arrangement is unprecedented. Experts say no American company has ever agreed to pay a portion of their revenues to obtain export licences.FundingKroonenburg lands big valuation for AI ad agency CuttableThe businessman founded and sold A Cloud Guru to an American giant for $2 billion. His new venture helps small brands feed “the social media beast”.Performing artsWhy Richard Tognetti is furious about ANU’s restructure plansAustralian National University wants to abandon one-on-one instrument lessons for ‘multidisciplinary’ teaching of music. Students and orchestra leaders are outraged.OpinionProductivityWhy discipline is declining fast among young professionalsThe critical skill needed for advancing your career, and life in general, is fading out — and especially fast among young adults.AdvertisementSleepWhat the science says about these popular sleep supplementsThey shouldn’t be viewed as a long-term solution. But some may produce modest benefits, such as helping you fall asleep slightly faster at night.WearablesHow to avoid the toxic side of health trackersWearables can be a great tool for sticking with wellness goals, but they can also pile on the pressure in a number of unhealthy ways.Fin! MagazineDupe culture is coming for luxury cars. Can Chinese makers muscle in?The new prestige players have trained their sights on Rolls-Royce, Ferrari and Porsche.Weight lossOzempic users offered ‘teeny-weeny mini meals’ in restaurantsThe rising popularity of weight-loss jabs means US restaurants and bars are downsizing meals and drinks to accommodate customers.Fin! MagazineThe luxury products everyone’s buying – for their handsFrom Celine and Chanel to Chloé, high-end hand care is booming.Glen Le Lievre cartoons for 2025Aug 10, 2025View more editorial cartoonsThe 25 new watches you need to know nowLuke Benedictus and Bani McSpeddenWhat OpenAI’s Sam Altman suggests you do to keep your jobThis Australian watch reseller is making its move on London and NYCTop directors tell Chalmers to ditch tax and focus on growthSally PattenClimate reporting: What directors need to know in year oneHow this CEO used an AI podcast to prepare for a panelCadillac’s first-ever EV is a head turner – but is it worth the price?Tony DavisThe stress buster this Sydney VP turns to when work overwhelmsHow to avoid the toxic side of health trackersKroonenburg lands big valuation for AI ad agency CuttableYolanda RedrupJustin Hemmes appeals nightcap knock-backCowin-backed plant-based meat start-up buys US fake chicken rival