International and domestic airline company Jetset Travelworld Limited (ASX: JET) can go ahead with the merger with Stella Travel Services Australia/New Zealand.
Junior mining firm Atlas Iron Ltd (ASX: AGO) revealed on Wednesday an upgrade on its reserves that further supported its target of ramping up productions to 12 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) by the latter part of 2012.
Strong GDP growth published on Wednesday brings rate hikes back onto the Reserve Bank of Australia's agenda although the central bank can still wait, according to Bankwest, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Commonwealth Bank (ASX:CBA).
The Australian bourse was more than 1.5 per cent higher on Wednesday noon as better than expected local economic growth figures boosted investor sentiment.
The construction sector contributed largely to the growth of the Australian economy during the June quarter.
Giant contracting firm Leighton Holdings Ltd (ASX: LEI) announced on Wednesday that it is set to replace the current builder of a landmark project at Dubai International Financial Centre following the finalisation of its $220 million deal with UAE-based Daman Investments.
The Australian debt market holds back with a weak start as the entire trading floor waits for the release of the Gross Domestic Product figures before noon.
Uncertainty in the political arena, slow-paced production growth, and a drop in new orders put on the brakes for manufacturing activities in August.
Canadian firm Potash Corp has scored the apparent tactics of BHP Billiton Ltd to spread ‘doubt and confusion’ about the company’s future following the giant resource firm’s hostile bid for the world’s largest manufacturer of fertiliser.
A report published in a Japanese daily has indicated on Wednesday that BHP Billiton Ltd agreed to cut by seven percent coking coal prices that the company is set to ship into Japan for the last quarter of 2010.
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) is all set for a core banking development project that will put the cost-to-income ratio for its retail banking as the lowest in the world.
In the US overnight, the major indices finished largely unchanged as stronger-than-expected consumer confidence and a rise in home prices helped ease fears that the economy is faltering. Financials were helped by regulatory approval for a Chinese investment in Morgan Stanley.
The Australian Dollar has opened fairly unchanged this morning to be trading at USD0.8920 after trading below USD0.8900 late yesterday.
US consumer confidence rose from 51.0 to 53.5 in August, above expectations for a result near 50.5. The S&P/Case Shiller home price index for 20 metropolitan areas showed a 0.3pct rose in seasonally adjusted terms in June, above forecasts for a 0.2pct gain. But the Chicago purchasing managers index eased from 62.3 to 56.7 in August.
U.S. stocks eked out a tiny advance Tuesday, with AT&T, J.P. Morgan and Merck among the gainers in the conclusion of a bruising month for the market.
Australian economic data released yesterday surprised the market somewhat with Retail Sales, Building Approvals and the Current Account all coming in above expectations.
Housing and business activity data from the largest economy in the world provided the impetus for the Australian dollar to open slightly higher than Tuesday.
The first day of September seems to begin well with the Sydney Futures Exchange.
Australian companies are holding off on investment deals with banks.
Westpac Banking Corporation (ASX: WBC), the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), the National Australia Bank (ASX: NAB), and the Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ASX: ANZ) accumulated $798 billion of mortgage debt.
China should not be allowed to become a direct investor in the mining and agriculture business
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia Ltd (CBA) is now the leading business lender in the country as it edged out the National Australia Bank Ltd (NAB) thanks to its remarkable satisfaction levels in the market.
The Australian share market slumped more than 1 per cent on Tuesday, trimming yesterday’s increases as resource stocks and major banks slumped on ongoing uncertainty about the US economy.
Retail figures in July have shown significant growth but the figures are being propped up by the lifestyle choices of ordinary Australians as they spend their money on takeaway food, cafes and restaurants, says the Australian National Retailers Association (ANRA).
Oil and gas explorer Petsec Energy Ltd (ASX: PSA) reported on Tuesday that it suffered earnings retreat as the drilling moratorium in the Gulf of Mexico continues leading to dismal half year figures for the company.
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) considers the 2.3 percent increase in building approvals in July a modest figure.
A lift in dwelling approvals in July provides a cause for cautious optimism that the wavering residential building upturn can regain momentum, according to Master Builders Australia, the peak body for the building and construction industry.
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) reports an increase of 2.8 percent in total credit made available by financial institutions over the year to July.
The production of red meat made a significant contribution to South Australia's agricultural production.
Mining firm Minara Resources Ltd (ASX: MRE) reported on Tuesday gains on its half year profit despite the prevalence of volatility in nickel and cobalt prices, which are the company’s present market focus.
