BUSINESS

Australian Stock Market Report – Midday 8/20/2012

Following a weak start to the session, the Australian sharemarket is a few points higher, with the All Ordinaries Index (XAO) up 0.1 pct or 5.7 pts to 4399.5. A number of companies have gone ex-dividend today, which is putting downward pressure on the broader market.

Global Strategic Oil Release Considered

By Greg PeelCentral banks across the globe are implementing and/or are expected to implement or increase monetary policy stimulus over coming months in order to reduce sovereign risk and prop up a flagging global economy.
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Facebook Shares Dropped by 6% as Investors Cash Out

Facebook shares dropped by 6.27 percent. Facebook stock hit record low as the first lock-up period ended. Shareholders, who invested in the well-known social media company, cashed out some of their stake. Facebook shares are down almost 50 percent from its debut.

Australian Stock Market Report – Afternoon 8/17/2012

There's been some positive momentum gaining across global markets over the past 24 hours after German Chancellor Angela Merkel voiced support for the European Central Bank's efforts to prop up the Eurozone. US share markets rose to four month highs overnight, while European markets also rallied. Here positive earnings reports helped boost sentiment with the All Ordinaries Index adding to yesterday's gains, up 1pct. Over the week, the market gained 2pct.

iPhone Update: Now is the Best Time to Bid Adieu to your Handset

No official confirmation from Apple is out yet, though it is widely rumoured that the next iPhone iteration will be out as early as Sept 21, at least in the North American market, sparking a frenetic race for current iPhone owners to dump their old units for some cash.

Australian Stock Market Report – Midday 8/17/2012

Local stocks are continuing to add to yesterday's gains, thanks to strong earnings results and positive offshore leads. European and US share markets moved higher overnight on hopes of further stimulus measures after German Chancellor Angela Merkel voiced support for the European Central Bank's efforts to support the Eurozone. Mid-session, the All Ordinaries Index (XAO) is up 28.2pts or 0.6pct to 4381.7.

Your Editor On Twitter

By Rudi Filapek-Vandyck, Editor FNArenaI joined Twitter. Not because I am curious what this celebrity has to say about her kids, or to read that another one is waiting for a connecting flight, impatiently.

Australian Stock Market Report – Afternoon 8/16/2012

The Australian sharemarket improved for the third time this week, with the All Ordinaries Index (XAO) gaining 1.1 pct or 46.5 pts to 4353.5. The energy and financial sectors led the rest of the market higher, while the property trusts ended flat.

Australian Stock Market Report – Midday 8/16/2012

Local stocks are trading higher at lunchtime, following a mixed lead from overseas market and commodity prices. The European markets closed lower on growth concerns and rumours percolating around the markets that Spain is preparing to ask for an official bailout. The US markets were again mixed after stronger than expected US economic data have raised more doubts that the Federal Reserve will hold off from easing at its next policy meeting.

Copper At A Critical Level

By Jonathan BarrattEconomic numbers from China last week and the lack of any follow through on stimulus talks from central banks over the last few weeks has seen some weakness reemerge into the copper market.

Sydney Court Slaps Qantas, Manager $15,500 Fine for Bullying

The Federal Magistrates Court in Sydney slapped on Wednesday a $15,500 fine on a Qantas and a manager for bullying an employee. Citing the Fair Work Act, the court said Qantas manager Peter Cawthorne coerced aircraft engineer Luke Murray into withdrawing a claim worth $10,000.

The Overnight Report: Lots Of Data, No One Home

By Greg PeelThe Dow dropped 7 points, the S&P was up 0.1% to 1405 and the Nasdaq gained 0.5%.It is looking increasingly likely the Fed will not need to provide additional stimulus in any big way in September.

Australian Stock Market Report – Afternoon 8/15/2012

The Australian sharemarket eased a touch for the first time this week, with the All Ordinaries Index (XAO) falling 0.2 pct or 10.4 pts to 4307. The mining sector was the biggest drag on trade, with the S**9**P/ASX 200 Materials index slumping by 1.35 pct or 131.2 pts to 9620.7.

Etihad Airways Chief Outlines Australian Business Thrust

Etihad Airways is aggressively on the roll and its Australian CEO, James Hogan, declared on Wednesday that following its substantial holdings acquisitions on Virgin Australia and three other carriers in Europe, the airline is looking for more.

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