Cash economy
Cash crisis averted as banks, retailers throw Armaguard $50m lifeline
Armaguard, owned by Linfox, will receive funding from its biggest customers, in a move aimed at securing supplies for at least the next year.
- by Clancy Yeates
Latest
Saving the lobster, prawn and pineapple: MPs fight to force shops to take cash
Independent MPs are demanding the federal government make businesses accept cash from shoppers – or face thousands in fines.
- by Shane Wright
Why are more businesses charging extra to pay by card?
More businesses are now placing surcharges on all card payments, while they were previously only common on credit cards.
- by Mary Ward
A day-trip to Venice may cost up to $500 if new tax not paid
Visitors arriving at the main train and bus stations will be met by stewards who will remind tourists of a new entrance fee for the city’s historic centre.
- by Colleen Barry
Armaguard rejects $26 million lifeline after being asked to open its books
After asking for financial support and walking away from $26 million on offer, Armaguard will try to negotiate with customers individually, but good faith may have eroded along the way.
- by Jessica Yun
Opinion
Cash
The billionaire versus the banks: The fight over the death of cash
Billionaire Lindsay Fox’s ownership of Armaguard makes him the king of cash (of sorts). The trouble is cash is going the way of the dodo.
- by Elizabeth Knight
Opinion
Payments
Good riddance to cheques, but don’t ditch cash just yet
Cheques are an inefficient form of payment and should be phased out. Cash, however, is still used and valued by many.
- by Noel Whittaker
From stall to supermarket, India’s QR codes show the future of payments
Non-cash payments are driving a rapid transformation in the world’s most populous nation. India’s government sees the digital system as an alternative to China’s Belt and Road.
- by Matt Wade
The Netherlands is one of the richest nations. Why are families lining up for food?
Needy families are queuing for handouts at food banks across the country, underscoring how poverty is taking root even in lower middle-class families.
- by Mike Corder
Argentina cracks down on football fans burning money to taunt rivals
Visiting foreign football fans who mock Argentina’s crippling inflation crisis by burning banknotes will be punished with up to 30 days in prison.
- by Harriet Barber
No quick fix as China’s economy sinks into deflation
Despite $20 billion in trade strikes over the past four years, the superpower remains Australia’s largest export market and a key engine of economic growth.
- by Eryk Bagshaw