Oil dips below $51 as weak demand back in focus
LONDON- March 20 - Oil fell from a four-month high on Friday to around $51 a barrel- paring the previous sessions 7 percent rise- as the dollar edged higher and attention returned to weak demand and high inventories. ...
Big shops slam Easter Sunday trading ban
Major retailers are reeling after the NSW government rejected their application to trade on Easter Sunday. ...
ABS planning to cull 190 staff
ABSA leaked memo has reveals the Australian Bureau of Statistics plans to slash nearly 200 jobs from the agency. ...
Pearls may shine in dark times
Launching a jewellery venture in the middle of a global recession may seem risky business- but the developers of Australias newest pearl farm are confident they will not only survive- but thrive. ...
Fielding deal kills WorkChoices forever
Julia Gillard has hailed a new era of fair work after the Governments industrial relations changes passed the Senate following a deal with Family First Senator Steve Fielding today. ...
Govt praises Pacific Adventurers owners
The Queensland Government has praised the owners of the Pacific Adventurer- the cargo ship which caused last weeks oil spill off the states south-east. ...
ABC scoops Victorian journalism awards
The ABC has won four categories at tonights Quill Awards for excellence in Victorian journalism. ...
Pearls may shine in dark times
Launching a jewellery venture in the middle of a global recession may seem risky business- but the developers of Australias newest pearl farm are confident they will not only survive- but thrive. ...
Oil dips to $51 on dollar- Fed plan uncertainty
LONDON- March 20 - Oil fell from a four-month high on Friday- paring the previous sessions 7 percent rise- on a weaker dollar and doubts over the effectiveness of the U.S. Federal Reserves $1 trillion package to revive the economy. ...
Oil dips to $51 on dollar- Fed plan uncertainty
LONDON- March 20 - Oil fell from a four-month high on Friday- paring the previous sessions 7 percent rise- on a weaker dollar and doubts over the effectiveness of the U.S. Federal Reserves $1 trillion package to revive the economy. ...
Community opposition behind Tarkine road approvals change- NW mayor
A north-west Tasmanian mayor believes community opposition to a proposed road through the Tarkine wilderness area forced Forestry Tasmania to agree to a federal approvals process. ...
Fielding deal kills WorkChoices forever
Julia Gillard has hailed a new era of fair work after the Governments industrial relations changes passed the Senate following a deal with Family First Senator Steve Fielding today. ...
Fielding deal kills WorkChoices forever
Julia Gillard has hailed a new era of fair work after the Governments industrial relations changes passed the Senate following a deal with Family First Senator Steve Fielding today. ...
Suspend BHPs WA operations- Labor
The West Australian Opposition has called for an independent inquiry into BHP-Billitons WA operations after the 5th fatality in 8 months. ...
ABS jobs cuts 'puts data at risk'- union
Essential economic data is being put at risk with more job cuts planned for the Australian Bureau of Statistics- the public sector union says. ...
Fielding deal kills WorkChoices forever
The Governments industrial relations changes have passed the Senate after a deal with Family First Senator Steve Fielding. ...
Creditors give Allco probe more time
Administrators of Allco Financial Group Ltd have been given more time by creditors to investigate how much of the $1 billion debt can be recovered. ...
Thrifty consumers swell debit card use
Australians are preferring the cash and shunning credit as they become more conservative with their finances- the latest figures from the RBA show. ...
OECD says world economy to shrink in 2009
The world economy is likely to shrink in 2009 for the first time in 60 years- despite growth in Asian powerhouses China and India- the OECDs leader Angel Gurria said. ...
EU to call for doubling of IMFs resources
European Union leaders meeting in Brussels have agreed to call for a doubling of resources for the International Monetary Fund- according to a final draft to be presented at the summit later today local time. ...
Fielding deal kills WorkChoices forever
The Governments industrial relations changes have passed the Senate after a deal with Family First Senator Steve Fielding. ...
Thomas Bryson makes strong debut on ASX
Thomas Bryson- a China-based manufacturer and retailer of fabrics- home textiles and luxury decor- has made a solid debut on the Australian securities exchange. ...
Problem gambling plan a problem- Anglicare
Anglicare has criticised the Tasmanian Government for not cutting the number of poker machines in the state. ...
Fielding deal kills WorkChoices forever
The Governments industrial relations changes have passed the Senate after a deal with Family First Senator Steve Fielding. ...
AWB resumes wheat talks with Iraqis
AWB Ltd has met Iraqi officials to resolve past issues and allow the agribusiness to resume wheat exports to the country that resulted in its fall from grace. ...
Jobless rate destined to top 7- Swan
Australia is likely to suffer a jobless rate above seven per cent because of the growing severity of the global economic recession- Treasurer Wayne Swan says. ...
Long-term uranium demand strong- ERA
Energy Resources Australia Ltd ERA says long-term demand for uranium is likely to remain strong with China to drive demand growth in the next decade. ...
Oil pares gains after 7 pct surge- hovers around $51
PERTH- March 20 - Oil fell from a near 4-month high to around $51 on Friday- paring the previous sessions 7 percent gain- on doubts over the effectiveness of the U.S. Federal Reserves $1 trillion package to revive the economy. ...
Asian Markets Overview of March 20
Sydney- Australia- Mar 20- 2009 - ABN Newswire - Asian markets opened mixed Friday. Japans Nikkei average jumped above 8000 points in early trade while South Koreas Kospi was higher led by shipbuilders and steelmakers. Other markets include Hong Kong- Singapore and Shanghai opened flat following the falls on Wall Street. ...
Market sheds early gains
The Australian stockmarket was unable to sustain early gains today and local shares closed lower- dragged down by weakness in US financial stocks overnight. ...
Market sheds early gains
The Australian stockmarket was unable to sustain early gains today and local shares closed lower. ...
Fielding deal buries WorkChoices forever
The Governments industrial relations changes have passed the Senate after a deal with Family First Senator Steve Fielding. ...
eServGlobal Limited ASX-ESV Update on Outlook- Formal process and New Director Appointments
Sydney- Australia- Mar 20- 2009 - ABN Newswire - eServGlobal Limited LON-ESGASX-ESV a provider of end-to-end solutions- enabling smart communication and payment services for service providers on any generation network- today provides an update on several key topics.Updated guidance for the full year ending 30 June- 2009.The Company now expects to report full year revenue in the range AUD $165 - 170million- compared to AUD $177. ...
AWB resumes wheat talks with Iraqis
AWB Ltd has met Iraqi officials to resolve past issues and allow the agribusiness to resume wheat exports to the country that resulted in its fall from grace. ...
Alleged airport baggage thief arrested
Australian Federal Police say they have arrested a 50-year-old Victorian man for allegedly stealing baggage from Adelaide Airport. ...
Alleged baggage thief arrested at airport
Australian Federal Police say they have arrested a 50-year-old Victorian man for allegedly stealing baggage from Adelaide Airport. ...
Otto Energy Limited ASX-OEL To Raise A $35 Million From Placement And Entitlement Issue
Perth- Australia- Mar 20- 2009 - ABN Newswire - Otto Energy Limited ASX-OELPINK-OTTEF is pleased to announce a capital raising of approximately $35 million via an institutional Placement and underwritten Entitlement Issue.PlacementOtto has agreed to place approximately 73.9 million shares at A $0.07 per share to raise approximately A $5.2 million. ...
Gloucester- Whitehaven want review
Gloucester Coal Ltd and Whitehaven Coal Ltd want a review of a Takeovers Panel decision that says a proposed merger of the two companies is anti-competitive. ...
Macquarie Airports shares hit turbulence
Macquarie Airports MAp shares plunged after it reported a drop in passenger traffic at all its airports in February due to the economic crisis. ...
Allco director-related $400m under probe
Allco Financial Group's administrators say they are investigating whether creditors can benefit from more than $400 million of director-related transactions. ...
NYSE Resources Sector Remains Investment Hotspot Despite Financial Crisis
Sydney- Australia- Mar 20- 2009 - ABN Newswire - In the midst of the global financial crisis- the US mining industry and the energy resource sector continues to outperform the market and remains as an investment hotspot for many institutional investors from Asia. ...
Inland Revenue drops APN masthead audit
APN News -amp Media Ltd says the Inland Revenue Department has discontinued its long-running audit of its accounting for the newspaper mastheads. ...
Long-term uranium demand strong- ERA
Energy Resources Australia Ltd ERA says long-term demand for uranium is likely to remain strong with China to drive demand growth in the next decade. ...
Australia shares drop 0.4 pct banks slip
SYDNEY- March 20 - Australian shares fell 0.4 percent on Friday- as the past weeks rally in banking shares encouraged some investors to book profits- though gains in miners helped market to limit losses. ...
Thrifty consumers swell debit card use
Australians are preferring the cash and shunning credit as they become more conservative with their finances- the latest figures from the RBA show. ...
Budget woes force Geoscience Aust job cuts
The federal mineral and mining exploration agency Geoscience Australia has placed a freeze on recruitment and is preparing to cut jobs because of budget cuts. ...
Aussie companies look to Indian market
The global financial crisis has slammed shut the door to established export destinations- prompting some Australian companies to seek new markets such as India. ...
AWB resumes wheat talks with Iraqis
AWB Ltd says the company has met Iraqi officials to resolve past issues and to have talks about allowing wheat exporting to Iraq to resume. ...
MAp reports slower traffic for February
Macquarie Airports MAp has reported a drop in passenger traffic at its airports- with Sydney Airport recording a 7.8 per cent fall in passengers in February. ...
IR bill heads back to Senate
The Government has sent its industrial relations laws back to the Senate after voting down changes to the bill made in the Upper House last night. ...
IR bill heads back to Senate
The Government has sent its industrial relations laws back to the Senate after voting down changes to the bill made in the Upper House last night. ...
Allco director-related $400m under probe
Allco Financial Group's administrators say they are investigating whether creditors can benefit from more than $400 million of director-related transactions. ...
AUDIO- Kevin Hobgood-Brown - Group Executive of Sino Gold Mining Ltd ASX-SGX on Australia China Business Congress 2009
Sydney- Australia- Mar 20- 2009 - ABN Newswire - Group Executive and General Counsel of Sino Gold Mining Limited ASX-SGX- Kevin Hobgood-Brown- has over 25 years experience practicing international commercial and investment law and was one of a small group of international lawyers to work in Beijing in the early 1980s. He has worked on mining and resources projects throughout China and in other parts of Asia. ...
AUDIO- Emma Lo Russo- CEO- Altium Limited ASX-ALU On China Australia Business Congress 2009
Sydney- Australia- Mar 20- 2009 - ABN Newswire - AUDIO- Altium Limited ASX-ALU Emma Lo Russo joined Altium in 2004 to advance through a broad range of roles including serving as Chief Operating Officer. ...
AUDIO- Christine Gibbs Stewart - Australian Business International Trade Services on Australia China Business Congress 2009
Sydney- Australia- Mar 20- 2009 - ABN Newswire - Christine Gibbs Stewart has had a 20 year career in international business and export development. She is currently General Manager of Australian Business International Trade Services and leads a dynamic team that focuses on helping companies to become more globally competitive. Over her career Chris has worked across a number of different industries and in a number of diverse overseas markets. ...
Building industry pushes ACT Govt for faster approvals
The ACT building industry has used a meeting with Government to push for the Territorys planning system to be loosened. ...
Building industry pushes ACT Govt for faster approvals
The ACT building industry has used a meeting with Government to push for the Territorys planning system to be loosened. ...
Zedex Minerals Limited ASX-ZDX - Olympus TSE-OYM Commences Treatment Of High Grade Gold Ore From Phuoc Son
Auckland- New Zealand- Mar 20- 2009 - ABN Newswire - Zedex Minerals Limited ASX-ZDX is pleased to circulate the attached news release from Olympus Pacific Minerals Inc Olympus- a company in which Zedex has a significant shareholding. Zedexs investment in Olympus has a present market value in excess of AUD $11 million. ...
WA business confidence falls to record low
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry CCI says uncertainty about the global financial crisis has seen business confidence in Western Australia drop to a record low. ...
Australian Market Report of March 20- Investors Digested Recent Rallies
Sydney- Australia- Mar 20- 2009 - ABN Newswire - US stocks retreated overnight led by some financial firms as investors digested the Federal Reserves latest stimulus measures.Yesterday Australian shares closed 1 higher as most sectors surged. The benchmark S -amp ampP-ASX200 index rose 33.9 points- at 3480.2 while the All Ordinaries index was up 0.9- or 30.60 points- at 3416.8. ...
Local market steady after Wall St drop
The Australian share market is flat after Wall Street lost more than 1 per cent overnight. ...
WA business confidence falls to record low
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry CCI says uncertainty about the global financial crisis has seen business confidence in Western Australia drop to a record low. ...
WA business confidence falls to record low
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry CCI says uncertainty about the global financial crisis has seen business confidence in Western Australia drop to a record low.The Commonwealth Bank - CCI Survey ...
Mirvac cut full year distribution payout
Mirvac Group will cut its distribution payout to security holders by nearly half to conserve cash in the current difficult market environment. ...
Firm fears foreign threat to defence contract jobs
There are calls for the Federal Government to do more to protect home-grown industries. ...
Allco creditors vote for meeting adjournments
Employees and investors of the failed investment group Allco Finance will have to wait even longer to find out what entitlements or returns they may receive- after creditors voted to adjourn meetings of the company and its subsidiaries until the end of May. ...
Oakajee signing paves way for Midwest port
Western Australia is a step closer to a new iron ore port and railway network in the midwest. ...
Murchison Metals Limited ASX-MMX- WA Government Executes Infrastructure State Development Agreement with Oakajee Port and Rail
Perth- Australia- Mar 20- 2009 - ABN Newswire - Murchison Metals Limited ASX-MMXPINK-MUMTFMurchison is pleased to announce that the Premier of Western Australia- the Honourable Colin Barnett- MLA today signed a State Development Agreement with Oakajee Port -amp amp Rail OPR for the Oakajee port and rail infrastructure project. ...
Thomas Bryson makes strong debut on ASX
Thomas Bryson- a China-based manufacturer and retailer of fabrics- home textiles and luxury decor- has made a solid debut on the Australian securities exchange. ...
Olympic Dam delay will hurt SA economy
An economic forecaster says the South Australian economy will suffer from any delays to the expansion at the Olympic Dam mine. ...
Fielding- Gillard in talks over IR compromise
Key crossbench Senator Steve Fielding has met with Workplace Relations Minister Julia Gillard to discuss a compromise put forward by the Senator- as the stand off over the Governments industrial relations laws continue. ...
Struggling Americans fear doorknock evictions
ABC correspondent Kim Landers reports from North Carolina as families struggling to pay their mortgages or rent await the sheriffs deputy- who is going door-to-door evicting people. ...
Midday Market Roundup 20-03-09
The market is down 3 after being up 19 points earlier in line with the 13 point rise predicted by the SFE Futures this morning. Financials down 2.2 taking a breather today after consecutive days of gains- not helped by US Financials which went backwards overnight. Resources up on higher metals and commodity prices. US $ down - Aussie dollar up.The Dow was down 85. Up 62 at best. Down 117 at worst. Market down after a two-week 14 rally.Down on fears relating to the $1 trillion the government will inject into the financial system through buying treasuries- and buying assets and debt from the balance sheets of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Financials down 8 after a 60 rally in two weeks - led the market lower. Citigroup down 12.7 and JP Morgan down 7.9. Citigroup said they will do a reverse share split. Energy 1.4- materials 1.4 and commodity index up 5 on higher metal and oil prices and a lower US $. GE up on saying it will book profits this FY. Fed Ex posted 3Q profit down 75 - plans more job and cost cutting. Oracle and Nike beat Qrly expectations. BHP and RIO both up in ADR form overnight - 5.23 and 3.93 respectively. Metals and commodities up strongly on the lower US $. Gold up $69.70. Bonds flat. A $ down slightly.Fortescue Metals - The FIRB have extended the consideration period for the Hunan Valin investment in FMG for another 30 days. Hunan Valin Iron and Steel has committed to acquire 260 million shares to be issued by FMG for consideration of $644.8 million $2.48-share. Analysts comment that the extension to the timeline of Valin -amp 160funds being received places FMG in a tight position in terms of working capital although theyre not in breach of covenants. One analyst moves valuation down to $2.02-share versus -amp 160last trade at $2.32-share and will revisit this recommendation following iron ore price negotiations and receipt of Valin funds. -amp 160 -amp 160Mirvac MGR will cut their distribution 40 to 8-9c for FY09 to strengthen their balance sheet. Already paid 7.8c in the 1H so wont pay a distribution for the March quarter.Goodman Fielder GFF announce a new $100m loan facility. Said theyre comfortable with banking covenants.Macquarie Airports MAP said global traffic was down across its international airports in February - Traffic at its key Sydney Airport down 7.8 on-year. Declines were more severe across its European airports.Murchison Metals MMX in a trading halt pending an announcement on WA Port and Rail.Mineral Deposits Ltd MDL in a trading halt pending the outcome of a placement of ordinary shares of which proceeds will be used for the partial repayment of a US $35m working capital facility provided to MDL by RMB Australia Holdings and Macquarie Group.GloucesterCoal GCL yesterday received FIRB approval for Whitehaven WHC merger - WHC have requested review of the Takeovers Panel decision.Mirabela Nickel MBN completes C $120m offering of subscription receipts.IBA Health Group IBA announce their retail entitlement offer.Energy Resources Australia ERA said at their GM that long term uranium demand remains strong.Other...Macquarie Group struggling this morning following their recent 55 bounce of their lows - still down 76 off their high. Other financials having had a big run are Challenger FSG CGF- AXA Asia Pacific AXA and QBE. -amp 160QBE off over 4 this morning.UBS Warburg cut James Hardie to Neutral from Buy - 420c target price - they say the 30 fall in housing starts over the last three months is yet to be reflected in JHX earnings. -amp quot44 rally from one-year low...and we think 27 in one month seems about enough for the time being. -amp quotCredit Suisse keep Telstra at Neutral with 390c target price - -amp quotDespite the small scale of the contravention- we believe the timing of the proceedings around the Federal Governments announcement on the National Broadband Network NBN is more negative for TLS than the legal action itself. The breach by TLS enhances the Governments argument on the need for a true open access NBN. -amp quotThe Australian government is telegraphing lower growth forecasts and a deteriorating budget deficit for the May 12th Budget release as the IMF sharply lower the global growth outlook. Wayne Swan says a deeper global recession will mean Australian GDP will be lower with the jobless rate higher. Kevin Rudd said a greater global contraction will -amp quotobviously have an effect on our budget bottom line -amp quot.Barclays raises their gold price forecast to average $940 -oz during 2009 and $925 -oz in the 2Q. Says gold will shine on weak US $.The Dow Jones futures suggest a 35 point fall on Wall Street tonight. -amp 160Information provided to you by Marcus Today ...
Struggling Americans fear doorknock evictions
ABC correspondent Kim Landers reports from North Carolina as families struggling to pay their mortgages or rent await the sheriffs deputy- who is going door-to-door evicting people. ...
McMaths- McDonalds moves into education
McDonalds will bankroll free online maths tuition for Australian children- in a move that has won Federal Education Minister Julia Gillards applause but has divided education groups. ...
McMaths- McDonalds moves into education
McDonalds will bankroll free online maths tuition for Australian children- in a move that has won Federal Education Minister Julia Gillards applause but has divided education groups. ...
Safety fears in school building rush
The Master Builders Association in Tasmania is worried that the rush to spend federal funding for school improvements may compromise student safety. ...
Murchison shares halted
Murchison Metals Ltd shares have been halted ahead of the signing of a development agreement for the $3.5 billion Oakajee port and rail project in WA. ...
NYMEX-Oil pares gains after 7 pct surge- hovers below $51
PERTH- March 20 - U.S. crude oil futures fell from a near 4-month high to below $51 a barrel on Friday- trimming the previous days gains of more than 7 percent that were spurred by renewed optimism of a recovery in the U.S. economy and a weak dollar. ...
Struggling Americans fear doorknock evictions
ABC correspondent Kim Landers reports from North Carolina as families struggling to pay their mortgages or rent await the sheriffs deputy- who is going door-to-door evicting people. ...
Struggling Americans fear doorknock evictions
ABC correspondent Kim Landers reports from North Carolina as families struggling to pay their mortgages or rent await the sheriffs deputy- who is going door-to-door evicting people. ...
Murchison shares halted ahead
Murchison Metals Ltd shares have been halted ahead of the signing of a development agreement for the $3.5 billion Oakajee port and rail project in WA. ...
Perpetual changes EMCF valuation method
Listed fund manager Perpetual says a change to its valuation method for investments in its Exact Market Cash Fund EMCF will not impact returns for investors. ...
Australia shares flat as banks- insurers fall
MELBOURNE- March 20 - Australian shares slipped 0.2 percent on Friday as falls in banking and insurance stocks offset a rally in miners such as BHP Billiton BHP and Rio Tinto RIO. ...
Treasury boss feels the heat as AIG furor rages
WASHINGTON AFP - Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner faced resignation calls from Republicans Thursday as a furor over AIG bonuses stoked broader criticism of his stewardship of an economy in crisis. ...
Free transport urged during Adelaide race
The Opposition says public bus transport should be free for during Adelaides motor racing carnival to reduce traffic gridlock in the eastern suburbs. ...
Struggling Americans fear doorknock evictions
As people in the US struggle to pay their mortgages or rent- ABC correspondent Kim Landers reports from North Carolina as a sheriffs deputy goes door-to-door evicting people. ...
SA urged to have renewable energy agency
A climate researcher says South Australia needs a specific agency to help accelerate investment in renewable energy projects. ...
Struggling Americans fear doorknock evictions
As people in the US struggle to pay their mortgages or rent- ABC correspondent Kim Landers reports from North Carolina as a sheriffs deputy goes door-to-door evicting people. ...
Chinese investment deals delayed pending further scrutiny
The Foreign Investment Review Board FIRB is extending its review of Chinas proposed $500 million investment in the iron ore miner- Fortescue Metals Group FMG. ...
Aussie dlr darts ahead as US $ stumbles- bonds ease
SYDNEY- March 20 - The Australian dollar AUD was sharply higher on a retreating U.S. dollar on Friday- and heading for a weekly gain of three cents having smashed through major chart barriers in offshore trade. Aussie AUDD2 up a cent from Thursday around $0.6887- having risen to a 10-week high of $0.6944 at one stage in New York as the U.S. dollar caved across the board. ...
Chinese investment deals delayed pending further scrutiny
The Foreign Investment Review Board FIRB is extending its review of Chinas proposed -amp amp 36500 million investment in the iron ore miner- Fortescue Metals Group ASX- FMG.ax .Under the deal ann ...
Govt wont accept IR Senate amendments
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has warned the Senate to respect the will of the Australian people as the the Government prepares to reject amendments made in the Upper House to its industrial relations laws. ...
Storm subsidiary stops trading
A Storm subsidiary financial planning business managing tens of millions of dollars worth of investments for clients has been put into provisional liquidation. ...
US offers up to $5 billion to auto suppliers
WASHINGTON AFP - The US Treasury on Thursday announced aid of up to five billion dollars for auto supply firms hurt by a credit squeeze and the collapse in vehicle sales. ...
ACT meeting to fight financial crisis
The ACT Government will meet with business and community leaders today to discuss how to insulate the Territory against the global financial crisis. ...
Book import restrictions costing consumers- report
A draft report released today says Australians could be paying more for books than needed due to import restrictions. ...
BHP Billitons safety record a disgrace
Western Australian MPs have lashed out at BHP Billiton for its poor safety record following the deaths of nine workers on its sites in the past five years. ...
BHP Billitons safety record a disgrace
Western Australian MPs have lashed out at BHP Billiton for its poor safety record following the deaths of nine workers on its sites in the past five years. ...
Govt wont accept IR Senate amendments
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has warned the Senate to respect the will of the Australian people as the the Government prepares to reject amendments made in the Upper House to its industrial relations laws. ...
Geelong investment group stops trading
A financial planning business that had been managing tens of millions of dollars worth of investments for clients has been put into provisional liquidation. ...
Geelong investment group stops trading
A financial planning business at Geelong- south-west of Melbourne- has been placed in provisional liquidation. ...
Australian stocks seen mixed- banks down- miners up
U.S. stocks fell as investors were unsettled by the implications of the Feds action to pump another $1 trillion into the financial system- potentially stirring inflation. For details see ID-nN19278185. ...
Wall Street confidence shaken by stimulus decision
Wall Street has hit a speed-bump overnight with investors taking profits in financial stocks after the steady gains over recent days. ...
IMF report underlines importance of stimulus packages- Swan
Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan says an International Monetary Fund IMF report saying the world economy will shrink even further this year proves the Governments stimulus packages are the right thing to do. ...
BHP Billiton safety record a disgrace
West Australian MPs have lashed out at BHP Billiton for its poor safety record following the deaths of five workers on its sites in the past five years. ...
Calls to cap UK bank exec pay rejected
Britain's Treasury chief Alistair Darling rejected calls to cap the pay of executives in banks that were part of the multi billion pound bailout package. ...
Global Fund Managers Optimism Rises...But
Investor attitudes have brightened about the outlook as the global markets have their best 10 days of trading since last November.But thats not necessarily leading to more share buying.The health of banks remains the major concern as We have been emphasising now for over a year.In its monthly survey of investment attitudes among the worlds largest investors- Merrill Lynch found that they are at their most optimistic about the global economy since December 2005.But the Merrill Lynch Survey of Fund Managers for March found the prolonged banking crisis seems to be stopping them from putting cash into equities.Merrill Lynch said the survey found that for the first time in more than three years- investors do not predict lower global economic growth over the next 12 months.ML said renewed optimism about Chinas economy lies at the heart of this revival. -amp 160Just two months ago- a net 70 percent of respondents thought Chinas economy would worsen in the year ahead. That figure fell to a net 1 percent this month.At the same time- risk appetite has dropped with investor pessimism toward banks at a record high.A net 48 percent of asset allocators said they are underweight banks this month- up from a net 39 percent in February.A total of 22 percent said they are aggressively underweight banks- versus 17 percent in February. Respondents are noticeably bearish about Japanese and eurozone equities. -amp quotMarchs survey shows signs that investors want to believe in an economic recovery. However- caution on banks is firmly capping risk appetite- -amp quot said Gary Baker- Banc of America Securities-Merrill Lynch co-head of international investment strategy. -amp quotHow investors resolve this anomaly between growth optimism and risk reluctance will determine the fate of equity markets this spring- -amp quot said Michael Hartnett- Banc of America Securities-Merrill Lynch co-head of international investment strategy.Out of Equities- Into Safe HavensRisk appetite in equities took a marked downward turn in March despite the improved economic outlook.Respondents say they have reduced their equity exposure in the past month while increasing cash holdings and fixed-income investments.A net 41 percent of respondents are underweight equities- up from a net 34 percent in February.World equities fell by 15.5 percent during the days the survey took place. -amp 160Investors appeared to have flooded into bonds with a net 26 percent of the panel overweight the assets class- up sharply from a net 7 percent the previous month.Average cash balances rose to 5.2 percent from 4.9 percent in February.Signs of an early recovery phase have appeared- however.A net 42 percent of the panel believes equities are undervalued- up from a net 24 percent in February.Changes in sector allocation indicate a movement out of the most defensive stocks- such as in Pharmaceuticals - where a net 30 percent are now overweight the sector- down from a net 37 percent in February. At the same time- the panel has increased exposure to Technology- a much more cyclical industry.A net 28 percent of respondents are overweight the sector- up from a net 15 percent in February.BRIC Is Back but Eurozone and Japan Are ShunnedWhile the U.S. continues to fuel economic optimism- investors have become more bullish about emerging markets- especially China.Respondents have taken a net overweight position in emerging markets equities for the first time since August 2008.A net 4 percent are overweight the sector compared with net 4 percent being underweight in February.At the same time- commodities have made further gains with the number of investors underweight the asset class falling to a net 6 percent- down from a net 25 percent in January. -amp quotOptimism on growth has been expressed with higher weightings in emerging markets equities and commodities- -amp quot Hartnett said.In contrast- investors have further reduced equity investment in the eurozone and Japan. -amp quotInvestors might look to review their extreme underweight positions in eurozone and Japanese equities if economic data follow growth expectations higher- -amp quot Hartnett said.A net 40 percent of respondents are now underweight eurozone equities and a net 39 percents are underweight Japanese equities.A total of 213 fund managers- managing a total of U.S. $US533 billion- participated in the global survey from March 6 to March 12.A total of 183 managers- managing $US365 billion- participated in the regional surveys.The survey was conducted by Banc of America Securities - Merrill Lynch Research with the help of market research company TNS.Meanwhile Merrill Lynch Global Wealth Management says commodities and emerging market stocks and currencies are likely to lead any further rebound in markets.In comments reported by Bloomberg this week ML said raw materials may benefit from production cutbacks and consumers running down stockpiles. -amp quotCommodities should benefit from any improved outlook for the global economy- even if that means just the absence of downgrades to global gross domestic product numbers- -amp quot ML said in the report. -amp quotOur inclination is to advise clients to add to risk in portfolios. -amp quot -amp quotThere are a number of factors that need to be resolved before we can be certain that we have turned the corner. -amp quotThe U.S. housing market will have to bottom out and the pace of job losses abate before we can become more confident. -amp quotOn a global scale- we would like to see major economies such as Japan and Germany stabilize. -amp quotSo- confident- but not quite yet. And watch those banks-As the International Monetary Fund said Thursday- in forecast the world economy to shrink by 0.20-1 this year- with a recovery possible in 2010. -amp 160 ...
IMF report underlines importance of stimulus packages- Swan
Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan says an International Monetary Fund IMF report saying the world economy will shrink even further this year- proves the Governments stimulus packages are the right thing to do. ...
IMF report underlines importance of stimulus packages- Swan
Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan says an International Monetary Fund IMF report saying the world economy will shrink even further this year- proves the Governments stimulus packages are the right thing to do. ...
Calls to cap UK bank exec pay rejected
Britain's Treasury chief Alistair Darling rejected calls to cap the pay of executives in banks that were part of the multi billion pound bailout package. ...
SA economy one of weakest- warns rating agency
The ratings agency Standard and Poors says South Australias debt is at a trigger level for the state to lose its AAA credit rating. ...
US House passes 90 tax on bailout bonus
Swept up by a wave of economic anger- the US House of Representatives has passed legislation calling for a 90 per cent tax on bonuses at bailed-out firms. ...
New homes to be run by not-for-profit sector
The Federal Government has announced it will be moving responsibility for public housing away from state and territory governments and into the hands of the not-for-profit sector. ...
Senate passes amended Fair Work Bill
The Senate has passed the Governments Fair Work Bill in an amended form after debating it into the early hours of this morning. ...
Senate passes amended Fair Work Bill
The Senate has passed the Governments Fair Work Bill in an amended form after debating it into the early hours of this morning. ...
Oil price soars above $50 on US Fed plan
LONDON AFP - New York oil prices jumped above 50 dollars for the first time in four months Thursday on the Federal Reserves bid to free from recession the biggest energy consumer the United States- analysts said. ...
Fewer airline crash fatalities- watchdog
Airline passenger deaths continued to drop last year- following a downward trend started in 1990- the world's aviation watchdog says. ...
US House passes 90 tax on bailout bonus
Swept up by a wave of economic anger- the US House of Representatives has passed legislation calling for a 90 per cent tax on bonuses at bailed-out firms. ...
Global contraction requires stepped-up action- IMF
WASHINGTON AFP - The International Monetary Fund on Thursday predicted the first global contraction in 60 years- warning Group of 20 nations that stepped-up action is needed against the intensifying crisis. ...
US offers up to 5 bln dollars to auto suppliers
WASHINGTON AFP - The US Treasury on Thursday announced financing aid of up to five billion dollars for auto supply firms hurt by a credit squeeze and the collapse in vehicle sales. ...
Green investment solution to global crisis
NAIROBI AFP - Investing one percent of global output into five key sectors could achieve a -amp quotGreen New Deal -amp quot and drive the worlds recovery from the financial crisis- the United Nations said Thursday. ...
Global economy needs multi-lateral forex regime
GENEVA AFP - The global economy needs a coordinated arrangement on exchange rates that would end the -amp quotmonetary chaos -amp quot the world is currently caught in- a United Nations agency said on Thursday. ...
Oil price soars above $50 on US Fed plan
LONDON AFP - New York oil prices jumped above 50 dollars for the first time in four months Thursday on the Federal Reserves bid to free from recession the biggest energy consumer the United States- analysts said. ...
Senate passes Fair Work Bill
The Senate has unanimously passed the Governments Fair Work Bill after debating it into the early hours of this morning. ...
UK motor show cancelled due to downturn
The British International Motor Show has been cancelled for 2010 due to the economic downturn- the country's main auto industry body says. ...
Senate passes amendment on small business definition
Labor has lost its battle over the definition of small business after the Senate passed an amendment to the Fair Work Bill. ...
Senate passes amendment on small business definition
Labor has lost its battle over the definition of small business after the Senate passed an amendment to the Fair Work Bill. ...
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