BUSINESS

Australian Stock Market Report – Afternoon 3/31/14

The Australian share market had a strong finish to the first quarter of the calendar year, thanks to a positive offshore lead on Friday and speculation Chinese policymakers could move to prop up their slowing economy by providing stimulus, which gave a boost to the Asian region.

Australian Stock Market Report – Midday 3/31/14

The Australian sharemarket is recording its best daily gain in a little over a week, helped by gains in global markets on Friday. The All Ordinaries Index (XAO) is up 0.7 per cent, with all sectors in the black. The start of a new month is always a busy time for markets and economists, with a barrage of economic readings expected to be released over the next five days.
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Australian Stock Market Report – Morning 3/28/14

In US economic data, the economy grew at a 2.6% annualised pace in the December quarter, up from the 2.4% prior estimate and just short of forecasts. New claims for unemployment insurance fell by 10,000 to 311,000 in the latest week, well below forecasts centred near 325,000. But the pending home sales index eased 0.8% in February. Economists had tipped a flat result.

Qantas Job Axe Hits 26 Managers

A seven-page memo to Qantas staff that was leaked to media said that 26 managers will get the axe as part of the embattled air carrier's cost-cutting programme in a bid to save $2 billion over three years.

Australian Stock Market Report –Afternoon 3/27/14

Local stocks gained a little ground in afternoon trade and managed to finish off the day's lows, although still in the red. Following weakness on offshore markets overnight, the All Ordinaries Index (XAO) closed lower by 27.5 points or 0.5 per cent to 5359.7.

Global Markets Overview – 3/27/14

While yesterday's trade was dominated by the prospect of stimulus measures from the ECB and PBoC, today's trade looks like it will concentrate on a 'neutral' RBA. Although most describe the RBA as neutral, comments from Governor Glenn Stevens are taking the RBA right to the edge between neutral and hawkish.

Australian Stock Market Report – Morning 3/27/14

In US economic data, durable goods rose 2.2% in February, following two months of declines. However orders for non-defence capital goods excluding aircraft (a proxy for business spending plans) unexpectedly fell 1.3% after rising 0.8% in January. The Markit ´´flash´´ services sector PMI rose from 53.3 to 55.5 in March.

Australian Stock Market Report – AFternoon 3/26/14

The Australian share market rose convincingly today, helped out by strong gains from our mining players and a positive offshore lead. The All Ordinaries Index (XAO) closed off the highs of the day, but managed to rise 36.2 points or 0.7 per cent by close to 5387.2.

Australian Stock Market Report – Midday 3/26/14

The Australian share market is performing strongly at lunchtime in the East, following a rebound on European and US share markets overnight. European markets rose on Tuesday, lifted by expectations of stimulus measures from the European Central Bank, while a rebound in biotech shares helped Wall Street.

New Zealand Guns for 'Breakthrough' European Union Free Trade Deal

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has announced that the European Union has agreed to consider a free trade deal with New Zealand. Mr Key said that if the deal will push through, it would be a breakthrough for the country. Mr Key has discussed plans with the presidents of the European Council and the European Commission at the Nuclear Security Summit at Netherlands' The Hague. While attending the summit, Mr Key has been working to secure a free trade deal with EU countries since New Zealan...

Global Markets Overview - 3/26/14

The bets are growing that further stimulus measures across Europe and China will be introduced over the coming months, as both the ECB and the PBoC look to give confidence and economic growth a further nudge.

Australian Stock Market Report – Morning 3/26/14

In US economic data, the Conference Board consumer confidence measure lifted from 78.2 to 82.3 in March -a six-year high. Better weather and an improving labour market could lift confidence further. The S&P/Case-Shiller composite index of home prices in 20 metropolitan areas rose 0.8% in January. Prices rose 13.2% on a year ago. New home sales fell by 3.3% in February to an annual rate of 440,000 - the lowest level since September.

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