Issue #8

Reserve Bank data show lending to businesses rose 0.9% in September for a second straight month, even as borrowers brace for what would be the fifth rate rise of 2026.

Annuity provider Challenger has rejected a takeover proposal from its largest shareholder, TAL Daiichi Life, as too low, just as demand for guaranteed retirement income surges.

A $5.50 proposal from Warburg Pincus has trumped AVID’s $5.40 for the seniors’ housing and holiday parks group. AVID has until 1 November to respond.

A slower first quarter, flat first-half supermarket earnings guidance and a price reset sent the supermarket’s shares down 7.7%, while its larger rival grew sales at almost twice the pace.

The regulator has launched civil penalty proceedings alleging serious failures in managing a fund that took in more than $600 million, largely from Australians’ super. The allegations are yet to be tested.

Hundreds of deals have been cleared quickly under Australia’s new compulsory merger regime, but a blocked Coles lease and a September round of amendments show the rules are still settling.

Two days after it was introduced, the bill changing start-up investor tax, the R&D incentive, venture capital limits, PAYG instalments and the FBT treatment of electric cars has passed the House of Representatives.

Three years into the job, the RBA’s first female Governor has taken the cash rate from 3.60% to 4.60% in 2026, and she has made clear she will go further if inflation demands it.

After almost four decades at Macquarie and eight years as chief executive, Shemara Wikramanayake retires on 6 November, handing a record-setting group to long-time colleague Greg Ward.