Banks must pass on rate cut: ACCI

A leading business group has urged the big banks to pass on a cut in the official interest rate to their borrowers in full.

FINANCE

Dealing with banks in times of crisis

Tony Featherstone Picture this: a family-owned retailer has a $40-million bank loan. The founder has had a good relationship with his banker for years, watched footy with him, and met the bank’s CEO at functions.

Businesses now less satisfied with banks

Eric Johnston Small to mid-sized business is again emerging as the key battleground for banks to build their lending book as the mortgage market cools.

Reserve accuses banks of squeezing small business

Clancy Yeates Banks are squeezing small business customers with higher fees and fatter margins, the Reserve Bank says, while competition between lenders has fallen.

Banks fighting over mid-sized businesses

The big four banks are doing all they can to win over mid-sized businesses but bank satisfaction ratings among that segment have either dropped or are static, research shows.

Rates put big squeeze on small business

Clancy Yeates Small-business customers have received the least benefit from the latest cycle of interest-rate cuts, new figures show, despite moves by the major banks to target the SME market.

Online boom sparks credit card crimes

Eric Johnston The online shopping boom spawns a surge in credit card fraud, with about one in 15 Australian adults becoming victims last year and total losses blowing out to a record $278 million.

FINANCE

Keeping your lenders in the loop

Tony Kaye Having a better relationship with your bank could save you if push comes to shove. Here's how to do it.

Pass rate cuts on to SMEs: retail body

Larissa Ham A peak retail body has urged banks to pass on yesterday's interest rate cut to small and medium-sized enterprises.

Comm Bank, NAB to review business rates

Eric Johnston and Peter Martin Borrowers face further pain, with Commonwealth and NAB expected to review mortgage, business rates.

BUSINESS MAXIMS

Help! Our debt is crippling us

Max Newnham Q. We have incurred a debt to the ATO of more than $100,000. The interest is making it nearly impossible to pay off.

Silence on rising rates for business loans

Gareth Hutchens Outpouring of criticism and bank bashing replaced with total lack of reaction.

Chris Zappone

Small business losing faith in economy, says survey

Chris Zappone Confidence among smaller businesses has tumbled to levels not seen since the global financial crisis, with worries about fuel costs, cash flow and interest rates weighing on sentiment.

Mark Bouris

Small and non-bank lenders worth a look

Mark Bouris The truth is that you can't influence a rate cut, but you can look for a better deal.

Insolvencies at a record high for small businesses

Tony Kaye Insolvencies across Australia's small business sector are soaring, with the number of companies placed into administration at the highest since 1999.

Jim Vrondas

Currency tactics help you find a competitive hedge

Jim Vrondas Jim Vrondas explains how to find a long-term plan that cushions a business.

RBA slashes interest rates to 3.75 per cent

Chris Zappone RBA slashes rates by the most since the GFC in a bid to reignite growth in the sagging economy.

Make sure you're prepared when asking for cash

Christopher Niesche Businesses trying to attract investors need to have a sales pitch for their company as well as their products.

Accountants still a trusted source of advice, say SMEs

Alexandra Cain Most small business owners still rely on their accountant rather than their lawyer, bank, business coach or financial planner, according to a survey of Australasian small business owners.