Ever since returns on capital declined from the 1970s through to the early 1990s, the FIRE sector (finance, insurance and real estate) has won out hands down in Australia.  “Why produce?”, it asked. “Here’s some dough for speculating!” Now, Australia’s banks lead the world.

Why wouldn’t our banks be making super profits out of our bubble-inflated land prices and the vast mortgages around Australians’ necks?  http://www.smh.com.au/business/big-four-on-top-of-the-world-for-profitability-says-bis-20140629-3b2c6.html

Don’t worry, boys, we’ll bail you out when things go pear-shaped!