Banking competition: the great Australian oxymoronAustralia’s Big Four banks are at the core of our entire economy, says Evan Jones, and the idea that they’re “in competition” with each other is a farce. Together, these institutions wield enormous power.
St George
Small lenders making a comeback
While official figures indicate that the big banks still dominate mortgage sales, smaller institutions may be making a comeback, writes Ian Rogers.
Tips and rumours: Langbroek staff forced out?
Have four employees of Queensland opposition leader John-Paul Langbroek’s office been forced out? Also, Qantas re-using their plastic knives and trouble at St George.
Gail Kelly has made some rotten moves, but not when it concerns selling shares
While the financial services sector continues to lay-off thousands of staff, Westpac boss Gail Kelly, recently cashed in some of her equity in the bank, selling 250,000 shares.
Tips and rumours: Government already setting up the tally room?
An eagle-eyed Crikey reader spots a tender for the construction of the National Tally Room, while another spots NRL players in the bargain bin.
St George getting “brutal” on margin calls
No more Mr Nice Guy at St George on margin calls, suggests this leaked internal email from an anonymous tipster.
Is there another banking merger on the horizon?
If Westpac is allowed to take over St George, there’s a chance of at least one more bank merger, writes
Westpac and St George: all about competition … reducing it
No matter how much Westpac rationalise and spin it’s opportunistic grab for St George Bank, the only driver behind the takeover is competition. That is, reducing competition, writes Glenn Dyer.
Your Say: Daily Mail readers' feedback: Comments, corrections, clarifications, and c*ckups
Westpac’s St George takeover … Peter Debnam … the media’s love of Obama … unemployment:… Israel …
Westpac and St George: the minus merger
How will Westpac and St George share the merger spoils should they get the all clear to merge later this year? Asks Ian Rogers.
Morning Market Report
The highs and lows of today’s stockmarket activity.
Housing slump will put pressure on merged Westpac/St George
The housing slump and the Reserve Bank’s war in inflation could take its toll on the proposed Westpac/St George merger. Westpac would be under pressure to cut costs by closing branches, sacking staff and rationalising banking infrastructure.
Rudd should block Westpac and St George love-in
Trading in Westpac and St George shares have halted during friendly takeover talks. But the courtship should be boned by regulators, writes Stephen Mayne.
Westpac and St George: The bailout we had to have?
Is the Westpac move on St George Bank the bailout we had to have as a result of the subprime crisis and credit crunch?
St George loses some shine from its armour
No matter how they spun it, it was a poor result from St George Bank, writes Glenn Dyer.
