A BHP takeover of Woodside makes sense, but the numbers are not compelling

Saying Woodside Petroleum is an ideal takeover target for BHP Billiton is a bit like saying the world should take out insurance against the effects of global warming by putting a price on carbon.

Nervous shareholders put Stokes plans at risk

It was not that long ago that economists, company executives and politicians were talking about Australia's two-speed economy - the minerals-rich states were booming while the old manufacturing-based states such as Victoria and NSW were experiencing sluggish economic activity.

Opinions mixed on the pros and cons of a BHP takeover bid for Woodside

SAYING Woodside Petroleum is an ideal takeover target for BHP Billiton is a bit like saying the world should take out insurance against the effects of global warming by putting a price on carbon. Both statements are incomplete: it depends on whether the price is right, and the fall in Woodside's share price yesterday suggests that some investors are redoing their sums.

We should put women at heart of aid strategy

It's not often that The Economist makes me laugh out loud. But laugh I did when reading an article in the magazine drolly titled "Anyone here speak NGOish?", about how the impenetrable language of foreign aid had taken hold in the new country of South Sudan, which voted for secession in January.