MARKETS

Daily update on share prices and consensus price targets.By Rudi Filapek-VandyckLeighton Holdings ((LEI)) enjoyed a combination of a favourable market response to its released financials as well as reduced valuations and price targets this week.

By Greg PeelThe Dow closed down 77 points or 0.7% while the S&P lost 1.0% to 1192 and the Nasdaq fell 1.

The AUD has held ground overnight despite the release of contrasting economic data from the US and Europe overnight.

By Greg PeelIt was three weeks ago when industry consultant TradeTech noted expectations from uranium market participants that buying interest would be limited for the time being.

Unlike the receptions for other banks reports or updates this reporting season, Westpac's third quarter trading statement yesterday was given the thumbs down by the market.

US housing starts fell by 1.5pct to a 604,000 annual rate in July, in line with expectations. US industrial production soared by 0.9pct in July, well above forecasts centred on a gain of 0.5pct. Capacity use jumped from 76.9pct to 77.5pct.

U.S. stocks fell Tuesday after three straight sessions of sharp gains, as investors expressed disappointment over proposed measures from European officials to strengthen euro-zone fiscal governance.

Qantas yesterday joined the gathering rush of corporate restructuring in Australian business.

By Greg PeelIt is fairly clear from the RBA's August monetary policy statement that the board approached the meeting with the intention of raising Australia's cash rate in a pre-emptive attack on inflation expectations, as it has been flagging for some months.

By Richard (Rick) MillsAs a general rule, the most successful man in life is the man who has the best informationThe public debt is the money borrowed by the US federal government.

The AUD has found strength once again, as local and offshore equity markets continue their recovery after the recent rollercoaster ride.

The US Empire State manufacturing index fell from minus 3.76 to minus 7.72 in August. The National Association of Home Builders index was stable at +15 in August.

U.S. stocks advanced Monday, wiping out last week's losses, as corporate deal making helped send the market to the biggest three-day winning streak since March 2009. The Dow Jones Industrial Average finished 213.88 points higher, or 1.90%, to 11482.90, closing near session highs for a third straight advance.

(This story was originally published on Friday, 12th August, 2011. It has now been repeated to make it available to non-paying members at FNArena and to readers elsewhere).

For the first time in a fortnight, investors will start the trading week without the threat of a major market slump.

It's another big week for the markets and economy here and offshore. Will the markets settle, or will we face more of last week's craziness?

Gold and oil both finished a difficult week down at the close on Friday for differing reasons.

US retail sales rose by 0.5pct in July - the biggest gain in four months - and in line with the consensus forecast. Excluding autos, sales rose by 0.5pct - above the consensus forecast of a 0.2pct rise. But consumer sentiment fell sharply to a 31-year low in August, dropping from 63.7 to 54.9.

U.S. stocks closed higher Friday as an upbeat retail sales report trumped a weak reading on consumer confidence, capping one of the most volatile weeks in Wall Street history.

Australia's securities watchdog released on Friday a new guidance that demands more disclosure on some investment instruments that lures a lot of investors because of the promise of high returns.

- Domino's Pizza FY11 result better than expected- European operations improving, impacted by forex moves- FY12 guidance suggests more solid growth- Brokers lift forecasts, targets and ratingsBy Chris ShawAfter guiding to a 15% increase in earnings for FY11, full year net profit for Domino&apos...

By Greg PeelThe Dow rose 423 points or 4.0% while the S&P gained 4.6% to 1172 and the Nasdaq jumped 4.

By Greg Peel"Citi economists are mindful that declining confidence could see activity weaken further and consider a cut in rates possible, though it isn't in their forecast, and they expect any easing would be fairly limited, given the economy's still strong medium-term outlook".

Another month of Chinese economic data (which was dribbled out in a surprisingly vague manner over a number of days) tells us that growth engine of the global economy remains beating and performing well.

U.S. stocks notched a massive advance Thursday, as investors seized on favorable corporate and economic reports to recover most of the ground they lost in the previous session.

FNArena has added another video to its Investors Education section on the website. In this educational broadcast, produced 24 hours prior to this week's FOMC meeting on Tuesday, ATW's Jerry Simmons explains why equities were ready to rally.

Electrical retailer Harvey Norman yesterday joined rival JB Hi-Fi, Colorado, Borders/Angus and Robertson and the Premier Retail group of chains in restructuring operations to meet the challenge of weak sales, cautious consumers who are saving madly and the strong Australian dollar.

Employment prospects for new postgraduates remain positive, with 86% of postgraduates finding full-time employment within four months of completing their studies in 2010.