BUSINESS

Australian Stock Market Report – Morning 3/5/14

In US economic data, the ISM New York index rose from 622.6 to 626.1 in February. The IBD economic optimism index rose from 44.9 to 45.1 in March. And chain store sales fell 1.3% in the latest week to stand 2.7% higher than a year ago.
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Australian Stock Market Report – Midday 3/3/14

The ASX 200 traded lower at the open thanks to the combination of stocks going ex-dividend and the defensive tone inspired by developments in the Ukraine. The market continued to trade lower over the course of the morning with few signs of consolidation. As lunchtime approached the index was still making new lows with a loss of 1.1% or 62 points.
Ukraine Peace Deal Halts Violence but Crowds still Angry

Global Markets Overview – 3/3/14

Markets have a lot to digest this morning; a geopolitical crisis in Ukraine, China's PMI index beating expectations (which was a surprise) and the start of central bank week. But the biggest talking point is the developments out of Crimea.

Australian Stock Market Report – Morning 3/3/14

In US economic data, preliminary figures showed the US economy grew at a 2.4% annual rate in the December quarter, just short of forecasts but down from the 3.2% ´´flash´´ reading. Consumer sentiment rose from 81.2 to 81.6 in February. Pending home sales rose by 0.1% in January. And the Chicago purchasing managers index rose from 59.6 to 59.8 in February.

Free Tickets for Modern Family Cast Worth $4 Million Angers Qantas Workers Amid 5,000 Job Cuts (VIDEOS)

Qantas continues to suffer from turbulence, not only because of the $252 million first-half loss reported on Thursday and the looming job cuts of 5,000 spread over three years. The threat of being unemployed had angered the unions that are now threatening to strike which could further cripple the financially ailing air carrier. To add fuel to the raging labour fire, Qantas is shouldering the $4 million bill of flying the cast and crew of American TV show Modern Family which is shooting a one-off...

Australian Stock Market Report –Midday 2/28/14

Having sagged in Thursday's session there was a little more vitality in the opening part of trade on Friday although that experience was short lived. The 30 point improvement seen at the outset was quashed rather quickly as the index quickly returned to the levels of the close last evening.

Global Markets Overview – 2/28/14

Equities edged higher with the S&P managing to close at a fresh record high as a better-than-expected core durable goods reading and comments by Fed chair Janet Yellen lifted sentiment. However, unemployment claims came in worse than expected and Yellen suggested the recent weakness in data could be largely weather related, but further assessment over the next few weeks will be needed to provide clarity on the matter. Until then, tapering is likely to remain on course at $10 billion a month. The...

Australian Stock Market Report – Morning 2/28/14

In US economic data, durable goods orders fell by a less than expected 1% in January after a 5.3% fall in December. Excluding transportation orders rose by 1.1% in January - the largest rise since May 2013. US jobless claims rose by an unexpected 14,000 to a seasonally adjusted 348,000 last week.

Australian Stock Market Report – Afternoon 2/27/14

The Australian share market has fallen victim to profit taking, after a recent bull run. The All Ordinaries Index (XAO) lost 26pts or 0.5 per cent on the close to 5421 with weakness from mining, energy and financial players.

Australian Stock Market Report – Midday 2/27/14

The ASX 200 skidded lower at the open of trade plumbing a low of 5412 or a loss of 15 points. Whilst the market found some support in that region sellers were still keen to press their claims, meaning that the index showed little sign of recovering over the morning session

Global Markets Overview – 2/27/14

It was once again another choppy session for US equities, with early gains fading towards the end of the session. Geopolitical concerns also resurfaced on the Ukraine front, and this, along with some encouraging US economic data helped underpin the greenback. New home sales data came in much better than expected at 468,000 (+9.6%) versus an anticipated 406,000. AUD/USD extended its losses after having recovered significant ground following yesterday's sharp sell-off. The pair is back below 0....

Australian Stock Market Report – Morning 2/27/14

In US economic data, new home sales soared by 9.6% in January to a 5-1/2 year high of 468,000. Economists had tipped an annual rate of sales near 400,000. But the weekly mortgage market index fell by 8.5% to 348.5 in the latest week with refinancing down 11.4% and new purchases down 3.5%.

Australian Stock Market Report – Afternoon 2/26/14

Local shares held on to modest gains by the close, with the All Ordinaries Index (XAO) rising by 3pts or a little less than 0.1 per cent. The energy sector surged, while the miners were the biggest drag on trade.

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