Financial markets

Analysis and Comment (8)

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Will ‘History of Financial Crises’ education really do anything to curb risk taking behaviour? shutterstock

Financial crises 101 could provide lessons for all

By Jikon Lai, University of Melbourne

The chairman of the Australian government’s Financial Sector Advisory Council, Paul Binsted, believes that bankers who have experienced financial crises are more cautious about taking risks. However, short…
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Are short sellers heroes or villains of financial markets? Image from www.shutterstock.com

Explainer: what is short selling?

By Carole Comerton-Forde, University of Melbourne

Short sellers are often portrayed by the media to be the villains of the financial markets. They are usually presented as evil traders that drive down the prices of good companies. However, the academic…
Glencore
Activists protest against Glencore by placing bottles of polluted water at its Swiss offices. AAP

The most powerful companies you’ve never heard of: Glencore

By Richard Heaney, University of Western Australia

Welcome to “The most powerful companies you’ve never heard of” – an ongoing series from The Conversation that sheds light on big companies with low profiles. Today, The University of Western Australia…
Zoellicklagarde
World Bank chief Robert Zoellick and IMF head Christine Lagarde have doubts about global growth. AAP

Spooking the markets: should financial leaders keep quiet during crises?

By Sam Wylie, Melbourne Business School

Global markets have tumbled again this week, following the downgrading of Italy’s debt rating and a series of negative comments from leaders of the world’s financial institutions. International Monetary…
Gold
Uncertainty about the US economy is driving investors back to the safe-haven metal. AAP

Explainer: Why gold is still precious for investors

By Richard Heaney, University of Western Australia

The price of gold reached a record high of $US1607.01 an ounce on Tuesday as investors turn to the precious metal amid uncertain global economic conditions. University of Western Australian Professor…
Greece_debt
Despite attempts at regulatory reform, ratings agencies still act with little threat of litigation. AAP

Should investors sue ratings agencies? It’s a matter of opinion

By Tin Bunjevac, University of Melbourne

Standard & Poor’s downgraded Greece’s sovereign debt rating by three notches on Monday, reflecting its view that it would be next to impossible to imagine a scenario where the country could restructure…

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