POLITICS & POLICY

RBA Slashes Cash Rates, Imposes 4.5%

The Reserve Bank of Australia has imposed the much needed cash rate cut of 25 basis points to 4.5 percent that will help improve the Australian economy in the coming months.

Australian Stock Market Report - Midday 11/01/2011

The local share market is in the red in early trade, following a weak session on Wall Street and ahead of this afternoon's Reserve Bank interest rate decision. Overnight, Wall Street sold off by more than 2pct as profit takers moved in at the end of the month. However over the course of October, stocks rose by 9.6pct, marking one of the best monthly performances on the Dow Jones Index in years. In early trade, the All Ordinaries Index (XAO) is down 43.4pts or 1pct to 4317.1.
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Global Market Overview - 11/01/2011

Global markets retreated sharply overnight, as Italian and Spanish bonds fell amid concern that European leaders will struggle to raise funds to contain the region's debt crisis.

Australian Stock Market Report - Morning 11/01/2011

The Chicago purchasing managers index eased from 60.4 to 58.4 in October, just short of forecasts centred on a result near 59.0. But the employment index rose from 60.6 to 62.3. The Dallas Fed manufacturing index improved from minus 14.4 to +2.3 in October. But the New York ISM index eased from 538.0 to 534.9 in October.

The Euro Zone Crisis: What Happens Next?

Despite a pact reached last week, euro zone leaders are still far from achieving a lasting solution to the protracted sovereign debt crisis in the European continent.

Australia Seen to Suffer Most from Iron-Ore Price Drop

With base metals taking a blow in prices in recent weeks, the Australian government may have to rethink of policy and fiscal regulations that will keep the country's economy afloat and not be totally dependent on majority of earnings coming from its mines and minerals sector.

Australian Stock Market Report - Afternoon 10/31/2011

After a negative start, the local share market is paring losses to hold only slightly lower at lunchtime in the East. Stocks in New York ended modestly higher on Friday night while European share markets ended mixed. At Midday in the East, the All Ordinaries Index (XAO) is down 9.5pts or 0.2pct to 4401.9.

Queen Elizabeth Supports Commonwealth Reform to Uphold Democrating Rights

Queen Elizabeth has endorsed the need for reforms to allow the Commonwealth to deal with future challenges, according to The Australian. The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2011, have accepted all 35 recommended course of actions for the strengthening of the role of the Commonwealth Ministers Action Group. A major contributing factor to the nod was the undemocratic overthrow of the Fijian government in a coup in 2006, according to WAtoday.com.au.

Japan to Veer More into Use of LNG, Oil and Coal

As Japan struggles to rise above the March 2011 tsunami and Fukushima nuclear disasters, the country is expected to turn to other fuels, notably gas in the form of imported liquefied natural gas (LNG), oil and coal to fill the nuclear gap.

Global Markets Overview - 10/31/2011

Global markets took a breather on Friday night, as investors consolidated after recent gains. US markets were relatively flat, while in Europe, markets were a touch weaker. There was a lot to take in after all the announcements out of Europe throughout the week. Despite Friday's subdued moves, global markets finished the week with huge gains.

Australia Mine Tax to Boost Workers’ Pension by $535 B

A new modeling tally released by the Australian federal government on Friday showed the workers' pension savings stand to gain more from the planned 30 per cent mining profits tax as it would boost pension funds to $535 billion by 2035.

Australian Stock Market Report - Afternoon 10/28/2011

The Australian sharemarket surged in the first hour of trade today, with the All Ordinaries index (XAO) rising by as much as 1.5 pct. As the day went on however, the market gave away much of its impressive gains to end largely flat by close of business.

Australian Stock Market Report - Midday 10/28/2011

The Australian sharemarket is gaining for the third consecutive day with the All Ordinaries index (XAO) up 0.8 pct or 36.6 pts to 4440.5. Almost all sectors are improving with the exception of the defensive healthcare and telco sectors.

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