BUSINESS

The Australian share market has started the trading day in the red, following weak offshore leads and after China downgraded its 2012 growth forecasts. China has cut its target for economic growth in 2012 from 8pct to 7.5pct, a move which wasn't overly surprising but has given investors a reason to sell. At lunchtime in the East, the All Ordinaries Index (XAO) is down 29.9pts or 0.7pct to 4324.3.

South Africa's property market has slowed, with house prices declining modestly in 2011. South Africa's house prices rose 2.3% in nominal terms, which translates into a decline of 2.6% in real terms, a disappointment following 2.7% house price rises in real terms in 2010.

Makower, one of the most respected voices in green business, talks about greener corporations, what the government could be doing to foster more environmentally friendly businesses, and why he's optimistic about the future.

The Financial Services Union (FSU) claimed on Tuesday that Westpac Bank will axe 119 technology jobs and send them overseas as the lender cuts cost. The union said the bulk of the jobs to be lost would come from the Sydney Central Business District and Kogarah units and smaller numbers from Queensland, South Australia and Victoria.

Forget the political bluster on gas pump pain. Prices go up for complicated factors that don't fit neatly on a bumper sticker. And presidents can't wave their magic wands and bring back $2.50 a gallon.

Daily update on share prices and consensus price targets.By Rudi Filapek-VandyckCochlear ((COH)) has remained on many an investors' radar since the company had to announce a recall of its top product, with the main question being asked whether the subsequent drop in share price has created a bu...

Siri, Apple’s popular virtual assistant feature is set to meet its match as Android-developer Google is reportedly developing a new feature which would rival Siri.

China-based company ZTE recently released two new Windows Phones. These are ZTE Orbit and ZTE Tania. These Windows Phones were set to target people who are looking for inexpensive Windows Phones in the market.

China aims to grow its economy by 7.5% in the coming year, the last where the current leadership of the country will be in control before being replaced by a new team later in the year.

The pick up in the Australian jobs market seems to be accelerating, judging by the latest ANZ job ads survey for February.

While retailing shrinks, car sales remain very buoyant, even after taking into account the extra day in February.

China has cut its target for economic growth in 2012 from 8.0pct to 7.5pct.

By Greg PeelVolumes in global spot uranium trading in the month of February were the lowest since the GFC nadir month of March 2009, industry consultant TradeTech notes.

By Greg PeelThe Dow closed down 14 points or 0.1% while the S&P lost 0.4% to 1364 and the Nasdaq lost 0.

By Greg Peel"Financial market sentiment has continued to improve in recent weeks," notes RBA governor Glenn Stevens in his statement accompanying today's monetary policy decision, "and capital markets are again supplying funding to corporations and well-rated banks, albeit at costs that are hig...

Apple Inc. proudly marked 25 billion apps downloaded from its app store with an announcement on Apple's home page.

Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr. would have been a fight for the ages but the much-awaited boxing showdown did not push through. This year, the best of America and Asia are expected to take their animosity to new heights when Samsung Electronics and Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) release new smartphones at about the same time just months from now.

The global automotive industry needs to deal with likely damning economic realities despite growth projections for the sector this year, according to outlooks furnished by analysts.

Every time Australians swipe their credit cards, they pay interest rates to the banks which charge them an average interest of $4,700 a year per card.

Of the 2,600 mining deals made globally in 2011 valued at $149 billion, Australian miners accounted for 22 per cent of market value making them the most acquisitive last year, a report by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) released on Monday said.

The Australian share market has started the trading week in the red, following a lacklustre offshore lead and a report showing company operating profits fell 6.5pct in the fourth quarter, below estimates. At lunchtime in the East, the All Ordinaries Index (XAO) is down 14pts or 0.3pct to 4350.1.

The strong Australian currency is taking its toll on the country's aluminium smelter sector with another plant facing the threat of closure due to high production cost and weak global prices. Mining giant Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) warned it may shutter its Bell Bay smelter which may cause the loss of 600 jobs.

Long-haul pilots of Qantas have promised no strikes if the union would succeed in its appeal on Fair Work Australia's (FWA) ruling a few months ago to prohibit industrial action. The union will file its case against the FWA termination of the pilots' industrial action before the Federal Court in Sydney.

Unibic, the maker of Australia’s iconic ANZAC biscuits, has been placed in voluntary administration.

Apple and Samsung scored victories against each other before a German court on Friday but the two tussling tech titans also saw legal setbacks hampering their efforts to assert dominance in the ever-growing global mobile device market.

Commodity prices eased last week, despite more concerns about Iran and Israel.

Economics dominates the week here and offshore, with important data releases in several countries, central bank meetings, the rising price of oil worrying markets and towards the end, the monthly flow of economic data from China.

A breather for global markets at the end of a week when the Greek bailout edged towards finalisation, European leaders said nice things to each other about the economy and oil prices continued to worry investors.

By Jason Jenkins, Investment U ResearchPeople in the market will do anything to gain an upper hand in investing.