Ian Verrender
Ian Verrender is the ABC's Chief Business Correspondent. A journalist for more than 40 years, Verrender began working in print in 1981 as assistant economist for Rural Press and later freelanced for The Bulletin before moving to AAP-Reuters. He spent 25 years at The Sydney Morning Herald in a variety of roles including Senior Writer, Business Editor and Senior Business Commentator. He joined Business Spectator and Eureka Report in 2012 and since 2005, also worked at Sydney radio station 2UE providing early morning business commentary. He joined the ABC as Business Editor in 2014.
Latest by Ian Verrender
Analysis
analysis:We're richer than everyone else. But one more rate hike could change that
Australia's much-discussed narrow path out of the inflation fight is rapidly turning into a highwire act. While one more rate hike from the RBA could cause a recession, holding back if inflation accelerates further will damage its credibility.
Analysis
analysis:A chill wind is blowing through the media and it could be a warning sign for everyone
In announcing 200 job losses on Friday, Nine Entertainment has joined other commercial media outlets in feeling the chill from a cooling economy as more corporate budgets slash their marketing spend.
Analysis
analysis:Solomon Lew may soon be calling Myer 'My'store again
Solomon Lew has been slowly clawing his way back to the historic retailer, and, if he gets his latest deal across the line, it will pave the way for him to return to the Myer boardroom, this time as chair.
Analysis
analysis:Dutton's swing to nuclear power heralds a return to nationalisation
Since the Menzies era, the Liberal Party's mantra has been built on a free market and small government. But Peter Dutton's nuclear power plans mean the opposition's ambitions have turned the party's ideology on its head.
Analysis
analysis:What's driving our inflation? And would more rate rises fix the problems?
Rate rise after rate rise should have sent the economy into a tailspin, but the RBA isn't fighting a textbook case of inflation.
Analysis
analysis:South Africa's future depends on an 'unholy alliance' solving its real-world problems before time runs out
Time is running out in South Africa to find solutions to its real-world problems — otherwise the country may well become another textbook case on what happens when inequality is allowed to fester.
Analysis
analysis:The world is retreating from globalisation. What does it mean for us?
We've joined our global peers by embracing the new economic mood in pursuit of a Future Made in Australia. But it remains to be seen whether we've learnt anything from the successes and failures of globalisation over the past 30 years.
Analysis
analysis:Is this the end of small government?
The Albanese government is getting back into business, literally. But will its bets on a Future Made in Australia pay off?
Analysis
analysis:Competing interests mean this year's budget is the most confusing in years
Federal budgets have always been a juggling act, but inflation's belated second wind and a weakening economy mean the treasurer must somehow encourage growth without making inflation any worse.
Analysis
analysis:The government's future gas policy first must ensure Australia's future gas needs
In unveiling its Future Gas Strategy, the federal government delivered a political sideshow away from the real conflict that has plagued Australia's economy for years: can we keep enough of the natural gas we already produce on home soil?
Analysis
analysis:Rise of mortgage brokers transforms the profit banks once made on home loans
For the first time in more than 30 years, the profit from business lending is outstripping mortgages. The reason lies in the rise of mortgage brokers.
Analysis
analysis:Evidence tells us that we're only spending on necessities, so why are the experts advocating for more rate hikes?
After near-unanimous calls for multiple interest rate cuts a few months ago, economists now think more hikes are on the cards. But even though inflation is proving difficult to contain, increasing rates further still may not be the answer.
The mysterious man behind 777 Partners, the strange private equity firm that owns Bonza
Bonza's US private equity backers, 777 Partners, is fighting financial and legal fires around the world with its portfolio of budget airlines and financially struggling football clubs.
Analysis
analysis:Bonza doomed to failure from the start, just like so many Australian airlines before it
Bonza's collapse is merely the latest in a long history of failed Australian airline experiments, but it probably won't deter others from going in on a wing and a prayer.
Analysis
analysis:How BHP used its $60 billion bid for Anglo American to hit back at climate change deniers
BHP's offer for Anglo American last week shouldn't have come as a complete surprise. After all, the Big Australian has a long history of reinvention — and this time the mining giant is betting $60 billion on a renewable energy future.
The cracks in Australia's economy are starting to appear as business insolvencies hit record highs
Australia's economic cracks are widening, with a record number of businesses now under external administration and many heading for collapse under the weight of weak demand, rising costs and large tax debts.
Analysis
analysis:Why our supermarkets and major retailers changed tack on their price-gouging tactics
For years, big retailers have competed at the check-out while tightening the screws on those who stock their shelves and boost their profits. It's a far cry from the price-fixing tactics of Visy and Richard Pratt — but it seems the jig is up.
Analysis
analysis:The Chalmers offensive: Why corporate marriage proposals are under fire
Australia may be a competitive nation on the sporting field, but our corporate giants have a habit of taking out smaller rivals before they can challenge their supremacy. New laws are aiming to make that a little bit harder to do.
Analysis
analysis:Will the housing affordability crisis eat us up?
The issue of housing affordability in Australia was once confined almost entirely to home ownership, but has now boiled over into the rental market. Is it even possible to unwind a property bubble that's been two decades in the making?
Analysis
analysis:Why the sun is rising on a new Japanese dawn
Japan spent years as an economic powerhouse before spending decades under threat from recessions. But seemingly overnight, its fortunes appear to have changed — and it could provide a glimpse into the future for us all.
Analysis
analysis:Deal with the devil: Why central banks want you out of work
Despite the brutal round of interest rate hikes, people are still holding onto their jobs — and the unpredictable nature of the real world is making a mockery of economics textbooks. Is it a miracle, or have we arrived at a point where unemployment and inflation can subside together?
Analysis
analysis:Why corporate Australia won't touch nuclear power
The argument for re-examining the merits of nuclear power in Australia has been countered with concerns about the high cost of building the plants. But the rising price of uranium is another issue — and Australia's place as a major supplier doesn't guarantee cheap power, writes Ian Verrender.
Analysis
analysis:Will battery innovation kill the critical minerals boom?
Amongst the furore and fallout among car manufacturers and Australia's new emissions laws, a separate split is developing over EV technology that could determine the future of our new critical minerals quest, writes Ian Verrender.
Analysis
analysis:Did the Reserve Bank hit the brakes too hard? Why the economy is heading into reverse
There's a very real possibility that our economic growth will tip into negative territory on Wednesday — and it's precisely why the language has shifted away from Australia's economy being able to achieve its "soft landing", writes Ian Verrender.
Analysis
analysis:China's economy is unravelling at a pace previously thought unimaginable. Where does that leave Australia?
After China's property market implosion, there are growing fears its banking and financial system may be impacted too. It's further proof that China's economy is unravelling at a pace previously thought unimaginable, writes Ian Verrender.