Property
The Party Is Over for Australia's $5.6 Trillion Housing Frenzy
Bloomberg, 23 Nov. 2017
The party is finally winding down for Australia’s housing market. How severe the hangover is will determine the economy’s fate for years to come.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-11-23/australia-faces-housing-hangover-twice-size-of-u-s-subprime-era
Queensland's property tax hit means some investors might have to sell
AFR, 24 Nov. 2017
New property taxes in Queensland - two of which were introduced by the Labor government two days before the state election - have made some owners consider selling out, with one landlord's land tax bill doubling.
Australian regulator warns 'debt is easy to get into, hard to pay back'
Reuters, 21 Nov. 2017
SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia’s banking watchdog warned against sky-rocketing household debt on Tuesday, urging banks to further improve lending standards as well as their understanding of borrowers’ spending patterns.
Chinese Demand For Australian Residential Property Eases: RBA
The Urban Developer, 22 Nov. 2017
Chinese demand for Australian residential property has eased due to tighter capital controls imposed by the Chinese government and tougher restrictions on mortgage lending by local banks.
https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/chinese-demand-australian-residential-property-eases-rba/
Hotel giant Rydges announce plans to build a hotel at The Bend Motorsport Park.
The Advertiser, 25 Nov. 2017
MOTORSPORT fans will be able to enjoy racing from the luxury of their hotel rooms courtesy of a bold new tourism concept at Tailem Bend.
Currency & Financial
Blackstone cautious on housing and debt but still playing the big deals
AFR, 22 Nov. 2017
The largest owner of real estate in the world, private equity group Blackstone, says there is a feeling of caution about Australian housing, and although it may soon lend to struggling home loan borrowers here, it is still yet to have any exposure to the Australian housing market.
Sydney real estate agent John McGrath's great short
AFR, 21 Nov. 2017
Even John McGrath was concerned that Sydney was too hot. In early 2014, positioning his hugely successful real estate business for a share market float, the handsome, driven salesman worried that if Sydney property prices continued their phenomenal increase, a traumatic fall would be more likely.
http://www.afr.com/leadership/sydney-real-estate-agent-john-mcgraths-great-short-20171109-gzi6yv
Super funded corporate debt would make Australia more resilient to external shocks
AFR, 24 Nov. 2017
A vibrant domestic debt market, led by superannuation funds, will enhance Australia's standing as a financial sector and make the economy more resilient to external shocks, the nation's top bankers have argued.
Agriculture
Hassad Australia sells three large properties to local buyers
The Weekly Times, 23 Nov. 2017
IN A reversal of the trend to corporate farming, a sizeable chunk of Middle Eastern agribusiness giant Hassad’s property portfolio has been split up and sold to 15 family farm operators.
Rinehart urges ag investment empathy for Australia's sake
Farm Weekly, 22 Nov. 2017
Australia is indeed a lucky country says Gina Rinehart, but it will be an increasingly unlucky place to live if we don’t actively invest in wisely using its abundant land, water and sunshine.
Capital investment will underpin future red meat productivity, Alice Springs audience told
By Jon Condon, 24 November 2017
The need for greater capital and investor confidence to underpin future red meat sector productivity growth was a theme visited several times at Wednesday’s industry forums and annual meetings held in Alice Springs.
AgCAP focuses on dairy after sale of Sustainable Agriculture Fund portfolio
AFR, 26 Nov. 2017
Fund manager AgCAP will next year start a fund focused on Australian dairy assets that it hopes will be worth up to $200 million within three years.
http://www.afr.com/real-estate/agcap-focuses-on-dairy-after-sale-of-sustainable-agriculture-fund-portfolio-20171124-gzsbor
Resources
Australia corporate solar market ready to boom, says New Energy Solar
Renew Economy, 23 Nov. 2017
The head of what will be Australia’s largest listed specialist solar investment fund is looking to tap into the growing interest from the corporate sector to make its first investments in Australia.
http://reneweconomy.com.au/australia-corporate-solar-market-ready-boom-says-new-energy-solar-22011/
New energy pipeline from Tasmania could boost renewables investment
SMH, 24 Nov. 2017
Tasmania is partnering with the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to begin work on a study for a second energy pipeline between the state and the mainland, creating new opportunities for renewables investment.
Retail & Tourism
Alipay partners with Australian Tourism Export Council
ZD Net, 23 Nov. 2017
Alipay has formed a partnership with the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) with the goal of expanding its mobile payments platform into the nation's tourism industry.
http://www.zdnet.com/article/alipay-partners-with-australian-tourism-export-council/
Victoria's surf coast wins $350m Cape Otway Road project
AFR, 22 Nov. 2017
An ambitious $350 million tourism, sport, retail and residential housing project has been announced for Victoria's surf coast.
Amazon Australia site: Retailers with certain strengths can survive
The Courier Mail, 23 Nov. 2017
THE Amazon tsunami forecast to smash into the southeast Queensland retail sector is not all doom and gloom, with quality retail centres set to survive and possibly thrive.
Australia’s top Airbnb host made $5.3 million in the past year
Domain, 24 Nov. 2017
Top Australian hosts are earning far more than loose change for listing their spare room, apartment or house on popular accommodation site Airbnb, with one Sydney operator raking in $5.3 million in the past year.
China moves against the Daigou with broad tariff cuts
AFR, 24 Nov. 2017
China unveiled a surprise round of tariff cuts for food products, clothes, cosmetics and consumer goods on Friday, in a move tomake a wider range of products available locally.
Education
Australian students in top 10 on problem solving: PISA
AFR, 21 Nov. 2017
Australian schools perform strongly on a new global ranking which measures students' ability to work in teams.
http://www.afr.com/news/policy/education/pisa-collaborative-problem-solving-20171121-gzpusq
Australian universities: Time for fresh approach
The Australian, 22 Nov. 2017
The federal government should consider outsourcing university funding decisions to a new-look Commonwealth Tertiary Education Commission, University of Melbourne vice-chancellor Glyn Davis argues in a new book.
China Domestic
Ming Xi Falls During VS Fashion Show 2017 in Shanghai, Recovers Like a Pro
Us Magazine, 21 Nov. 2017
UPDATED 11/21/17: Ming Xi spoke out on her Instagram after her spill to thank fans and fellow Victoria’s Secret models for their support. “I will pick myself up from where I fell, and I will keep going in order to repay all the support you all have given me!!” she concluded. You go, girl!
https://www.usmagazine.com/stylish/pictures/ming-xi-falls-vs-fashion-show-2017-shanghai-recovers-like-pro/