The latest retail sales data has surprised economists, with sales for November 2008 rising 0.4% month-on-month, seasonally adjusted. Most economics had expected a 0.3% decline in sales for the month.

Almost 60% of home owners expect the value of their homes to fall in the next three months, according to a new survey from the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia and BankWest.

Bernie Madoff was the 70-year-old architect of one of the world’s biggest and longest-running Ponzi schemes.

European’s business world is in shock after German entrepreneur Adolf Merckle committed suicide by throwing himself under a train, apparently distraught with the massive debts racked up by his family company.

The Australian Taxation Office has warned taxpayers to be wary of an email scam that claims to offer a refund from the taxman.

The administrators of collapsed automotive repair chain Midas Australia could hardly have chosen a worse day to formally launch their campaign to sell the troubled business.

Having your product manufactured overseas raises concerns about copying. But there are steps you can take to stop the rip-offs. LYNDA SLAVINSKIS

Facebook isn’t just for holiday snaps and silly messages. Here’s how I actually found a new staff member using Facebook. MICHAEL PHILLIPS

I have now managed to get most of what I need to run my business online, and free. BRENDAN LEWIS

Now’s the time to act on those e-marketing plans. CRAIG REARDON

The holiday season may be in full bloom, but the economic slowdown is likely to weigh heavily on the struggling holiday accommodation market. IBISWorld general manager ROBERT BRYANT explains.

The online customer journey has taken a few twists and turns, but David Trewern has been mapping the landscape. He sold his business DTDesign but stayed on to steer its course in the right (and profitable) direction, and shares his experience with AMANDA GOME.

As the economy slows, redundancies are becoming a part of business life. But downsizing must be handled carefully. LEON GETTLER reveals how to conduct, and structure, the ideal redundancy.

Under the Rudd Government, the workplace policeman is widening his beat. Employers had better get used to more scrutiny, but ANDREW DOUGLAS has pointers to stay in the good books.

Administrators are looking for a buyer for troubled car servicing company Midas Australia after the business was placed in administration by its directors on 23 December.

The new year cheer of Australian investors looks set to continue, with the Australian sharemarket enjoying solid gains in morning trade.