BUSINESS

Global Markets Overview - 2/6/14

Indifferent data overnight has done little to quell the divided talk from the Fed about the way it is likely to deal with monetary stimulus over the coming year.

Australian Stock Market Report – Morning 2/6/14

In US economic news, the ISM non-manufacturing index rose by 1 point to 54.0 in January, slightly ahead of expectations. The employment sub-index lifted to 56.4 - a new high since November 2010, and suggested healthy jobs growth in the services sector.
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Australian Stock Market Report – Midday 2/5/14

Conditions for global markets have improved in the last day following steep declines in the preceding session. Markets were initially spooked by weaker economic news from the US. This outcome antagonised sensitivities around Q.E, driven by concerns that the Fed is acting too quickly in relation to its tapering policy.

Global Markets Overview – 2/5/14

The slide we've been seeing in equities finally came to a halt with a recovery in emerging market currencies helping sentiment along. Good gains for the TRY and ZAR helped sentiment with Merkel saying Turkey's talks to join the EU can proceed. There was also some Fed commentary with Lacker saying he expects tapering to continue at upcoming meetings, and Evans suggesting the Fed will not deviate from its tapering course.

Australian Stock Market Report – Morning 2/5/14

In US economic news, factory orders fell by 1.5% in December after rising by 1.5% November. The weakness was largely driven by a 9.7% decline in new orders for transportation. In fact factory orders excluding transportation lifted by 0.2%.

Apple Inc's New Mac Commercial Uses iPhone 5S Footage; Adweek Compares Apple and Microsoft Super Bowl Ad

As Apple Inc commemorated 30 years of Macintosh in January, rumours had begun to spread that the company will release a Super Bowl ad which is reminiscent of the desktop computer's 1984 commercial. Apple might use the Super Bowl again to pay homage to its famous desktop computer. While Apple Inc did not show the ad in honor of Macintosh at the Super Bowl, the company chose to post a new commercial on its YouTube channel and called it "1.24.14."

Australian Stock Market Report – Afternoon 2/4/14

The Australian sharemarket slumped by 1.7 per cent, having its worst day in seven months and closing at a 1.5 month low. All sectors finished in the red following a 2 per cent slump in U.S. equities fuelled by disappointing manufacturing data.

Barbie Body Proportions Not Designed To Be Realistic, Mattel Says

Barbie dolls often receive bad rap when it comes to positive body image influences for little girls. With its impossibly thin build, the buxom doll simply has unrealistic body proportions. According to Barbie makers, the iconic toy’s design isn’t meant to be a realistic one. Her controversial disproportionate measurements are apparently a practical choice.

Australian Stock Market Report – Morning 2/4/14

In US economic news, the ISM manufacturing index fell from 56.5 to an 8-month low of 51.3 in January, short of forecasts for a result near 56.0. Construction spending rose by 0.1% in December, close to forecasts.

Optus Wins Five-Year Satellite and Broadband Contract with NBN Co.

Optus, a telecommunications company in Australia won a five-year satellite and broadband contract with NBN Co., a corporation owned by the Australian government who is assigned to design, build and operate the National Broadband Network (NBN) in Australia. The said deal between the two Australian companies was announced by NBN Co. on Monday, Feb. 3, 2014. Optus reportedly won the NBN Co. contract after a competitive tender process.

Australian Stock Market Report – Afternoon 2/3/14

Locals stocks finished largely unchanged, with holidays across the region keeping a cap on trading volumes. This week, the highlight locally is likely to be the Reserve Bank's statement tomorrow and a monthly jobs report in the U.S. on Friday.

Global Markets Overview - 2/3/14

With Chinese Luna New Year well underway and the year of the horse being welcomed in, some may have missed the official China PMI print for December on Saturday which came in a tick under estimates at 50.5.

Australian Stock Market Report – Morning 2/3/14

In US economic news, personal income was flat in December (forecast +0.2%) while spending rose 0.4% (forecast +0.2%). The Chicago purchasing managers index eased from 60.8 to 59.6 in January (forecast 59.0). US consumer sentiment rose from a preliminary reading of 80.4 in January to a final reading of 81.2 but was down from 82.5 in December. The employment cost index rose 0.5% in the December quarter.

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