Loans

Silence on rising rates for business loans

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

Spending slide spreads: Westpac

Danny John Key parts of Australia's services sector are being hit by the slowdown in consumer spending.

Credit growth 'building up'

Clancy Yeates New lending to business has jumped to levels not seen since the global financial crisis.

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 demand for credit at four-year low

Peter Martin Latest NAB business survey shows two-thirds of businesses reported no need for finance in January.

Mark Bouris

Profitability always a cash-22 situation

Mark Bouris Make sure you know your customers and be clear on what they look for from you.

Insuring for when the door stays shut

Christopher Niesche Most small businesses insure their property and stock against damage like fire and theft, but few take out business interruption insurance against the loss of cash flow caused by a prolonged shutdown.

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.

Mark Bouris

Marketing a matter of timing and target

Mark Bouris Mark Bouris answers letters to guide you through a marketing minefield.

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.

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.

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.

Budget should help disaster-hit businesses

Queensland's state budget should be used not only to rebuild the state but its businesses too, an industry group says.

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.