Sean Smith

Australia’s ASX200 bosses took home bigger bonuses last year but were still out-earned by a growing number of US-based chief executives who pocketed as much as $48 million in pay.

The new plant will produce gallium, a critical component for semiconductors, smart phones and electric vehicles.

Australia’s vices are hitting the hip pocket harder, with two Australian cities topping the list of the world’s most expensive beer and cigarettes.

No matter how the finals play out, the Dockers’ appeal to its major sponsors — Woodside Energy and Bankwest — has been considerably enhanced by a dominant season and the accompanying TV exposure.

Debt management and collection group Pioneer Credit is raising $17 million from new and existing institutional investors to fund the purchase of more personal debt portfolios.

Founder Keith John hints at disappointment at issue price, says it doesn’t reflect the company’s performance.

UBS reckons the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is unlikely to change its view that IAG’s $1.35 billion purchase of RAC Insurance is anti-competitive.

The long-term partner, KPMG’s chief financial officer since last year, has been given a mandate to overhaul the firm after the damaging audit leaks scandal.

Despite profit-takers selling down on Tuesday, Wesfarmers is up nearly 30 per cent since hitting a year low of $71.26 on May 18 and has easily outperformed the S&P-ASX200’s 3 per cent gain.

The final investment decision by the WA conglomerate and Chile’s SQM will double annual production of lithium concentrate from the Mt Holland mine, near Southern Cross, to 760,000 tonnes from 2030.