It’s been a bad end to a horrible week for investors. The Australian sharemarket has fallen again this morning after Wall Street plunged at a fresh 12-year low overnight on fears that car giant General Motors could be about to collapse.

This is not an easy time for financial advisers, but Destiny Financial Solutions principals Margaret and Reuben Lomas are working hard to look after their long-term clients. By PATRICK STAFFORD

How to get the commitment of your independent distributors, and turn the arrangement into a win-win deal. TOM McKASKILL

One year ago, former Billabong chief and entrepreneur Matthew Perrin was valued at $150 million. All he has left is a $30,000 in cash, a $200 watch, $3000 worth of clothes, a Mercedes he can’t drive, and a list of creditors a mile long.

Attempts to bridge the yawning gap between Australian universities and business is being given a boost with a $10 million Researchers in Business program, which will place researchers in small and medium-sized businesses for two to 12 months.

The NSW Government agency RailCorp has threatened a Sydney software developer with legal action after he created an iPhone application allowing users to view train and ferry timetable information and updates.

Collapsed apparel chain Herringbone has been rescued by a German retail group.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao’s absurd over-confidence, and his failure to announce new stimulus measures yesterday, is a bad omen for the Australian economy and currency.

Gold Coast property developer Resort Corp will meet with creditors to work out a plan to rescue the company after being placed in voluntary administration.

The Australian Taxation Office will begin visiting the workplaces of struggling SMEs in order to discuss plans for assisting companies in meeting any future tax obligations.

Search engines aren’t the ‘be all and end all’ when it comes to getting targeted traffic to your website. CHRIS THOMAS

Every now and then we all need to have an (ideas) shot in the arm. NAOMI SIMSON

The six remaining Virgin Megastores in the United States are set to close after nearly two decades of operation, dealing another blow to the sales of traditional music formats

In good news for the Australian economy, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has said more Government spending is needed to cushion the nation against the global financial crisis.

The receivers of Elderlie Finance, accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers, will apply to the corporate regulator ASIC to conduct a public examination into the collapse of the company.