BUSINESS

Brockman in advanced talks with Fortescue

Brockman Resources Ltd (ASX: BRM) says it is in advanced negotiations with Fortescue Metals Group Ltd (ASX:FMG) for an end-to-end rail haulage, port access and marketing service for its wholly-owned Marillana Iron Ore Project in Western Australia.

Q3 sees rise in hedge funds launches: HFR

Fueled by the inflow of capital from investors who now appear to have more appetite for riskier assets, Hedge Fund Research, Inc. (HFR) Wednesday reported an increase in the number of hedge fund launches for the third quarter.
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ACS sweetens offer for Leighton's parent Hochtief

Spanish construction company Actividades de Construccion y Servicios (ACS) has raised its takeover bid for Leighton Holdings Ltd's (ASX:LEI) parent Hochtief, a few hours after the German builder recommended that shareholders reject a lower offer.

ACCC approves Virgin, Air NZ alliance

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has given the go-ahead for the proposed trans-Tasman alliance between Air New Zealand (NZE:AIR) and Virgin Blue (ASX:VBA).

Daily forex forecast - 16/12/2010

Australian consumer are more upbeat leading into the holiday season with consumer confidence improving for December growing 0.2% from -5.3% last month.

World Market Overview

U.S. stocks fell slightly Wednesday, despite improving U.S. economic data, as investors continued to worry about euro-zone finances.

SITA acquires NSW govt waste firm

SITA Environmental Solutions, a joint venture between France-based Suez Environnement and Singapore's Sembcorp Industries, has acquired the NSW government's waste services firm, WSN Environmental Solutions for $235 million.

U.S. homes attract Australian buyers

More Australians are considering buying homes in the United States as the Australian dollar becomes at par with the U.S. dollar according to real estate executives.

Conquest approves Mt Carlton mine development

Mineral explorer Conquest Mining Ltd (ASX: CQT) has given the formal approval for the development of the Mt Carlton Project in North Queensland following the positive results achieved in the project's optimisation study.

Watpac bags One Central Park deal in Sydney

Australian contracting and property development company Watpac Limited has bagged the contract for the US$353 million construction of high-end ‘One Central Park’ residential and retail buildings located in Sydney.

Origin acquires Integral and Country retail businesses

Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG) today confirmed executing sale and purchase agreements with the NSW government to acquire the retail businesses of Integral Energy and Country Energy, and entering into GenTrader arrangements with Eraring Energy, for $3.25 billion.

World Market Overview

The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed to its highest intraday level in more than two years Tuesday as Federal Reserve officials stuck to their easy money policy while data showed rising sales in the retail and business arenas.

Daily forex forecast - 15/12/2010

Reports from Australia revealed business confidence had declined from the previous month while the number of new homes for the 3rd quarter contracted by -13.2%.

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