BUSINESS

Postcards From China

- Macquarie visits six Chinese cities- Finds a lack of stress- Canton Trade Fair figures down- Analysts see only modest 2013 export growthBy Greg PeelThe Chinese economy appears to have stabilised from its more rapid than expected slowdown over 2012, if iron ore prices and recent PMI data are anythi...

Australian Stock Market Report – Afternoon 11/8/2012

The Australian sharemarket fell for the first time in five sessions, with the All Ordinaries Index (XAO) slipping by 0.7 per cent or 32 pts to 4502.2. No sectors were spared from the selling; however local shares are coming off an impressive winning streak, with equities (shares) ending in the red for just two of the past nine sessions.

KLM, Etihad Codeshare on Flights from Australia to Europe

Abu Dhabi's flagship carrier Etihad Airways, which own 10 per cent of Virgin Australia, has entered into a codesharing agreement with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines to offer Australians greater accessibility and flexibility as they visit and tour Europe and its scenic spots.
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U.S. Jury Finds Apple Guilty of Patent Violation, Ordered to Pay $US368M+

Another legal setback for Apple as the tech giant was ordered Wednesday by a U.S. federal court in Texas to shell out more than $US368 million for patent infringement, stemming from the technology behind FaceTime, the video call feature that is a mainstay on Mac computers, iPhone and iPad.

No Inflation to See Here!

It's a big week. The race that stops the nation will stop us from coming into our St Kilda headquarters tomorrow. We used to try working on Melbourne Cup day. But we gave up when we realised most people really do take the day off. But don't worry. We've queued up a special US election preview presentation for your enjoyment. Watch out for it.

The Cantillon Effect: Confessions of a One-Percenter

Larry Summers, bless his heart, is back on the Financial Times editorial page. He's arguing for more stimulus...more spending...more Barack Obama. We should send him a 'thank you'. He's been great for business.

Why Government Debt Blows Up

Richard Koo knows what's going on. At least, to a point. He's a fool, but not an idiot. In Bastiat's terms, he sees the effects of a debt deflation. As for the unseen consequences of the government's efforts to fix it, he doesn't even bother to look.

Australian Stock Market Report – Midday 11/8/2012

Local stocks have followed global markets into the red, as investors bailed out of equities overnight. The Dow Jones Index recorded its worst trading session for 2012, with investors concerned about how the US government would tackle the so-called "fiscal cliff" and help avoid America heading back into recession. Uncertainty over the Greek parliament vote on austerity measures also contributed to a sell-down. Early this morning, the Greek government secured enough votes in parliament to ap...

The US Election Result And Asia

By Greg PeelAs of today we have a Democrat in the White House, a Republican majority in the US House of Reps and a Democrat majority in the Senate, just as we had the day before.

Spain's PM Confident of Economic Growth by 2014

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy on Tuesday once again ruled out possibility of his government requesting a bailout from the ECB this year at least; and said that his country can return to economic growth by 2014 as long as it stuck to a policy of fiscal austerity.

Feuding Rineharts to Continue Family Court Battle in 2013

Australians will likely be reading more juicy details of the Rinehart family court feud in 2013. On Wednesday, New South Wales Supreme Court Justice Paul Brereton adjourned the multimillion dollar lawsuit over the family trust to March 2013 for pre-trial directions.

Australian Stock Market Report – Afternoon 11/7/2012

The Australian share market closed higher today, receiving a spike in the last hour of trade as news networks called the 2012 US Presidential Election a Democratic victory. Barack Obama himself tweeted "Four more years", with the projected decision sending the market up 0.7pct.

BHP Billiton Confirms CEO Search; Undecided Fate of Marius Kloppers

Giant miner BHP Billiton, currently the largest mining operator in the world, has refused to categorically confirm reports that the company’s CEO, Marius Kloppers, is on his way out after more than five years of stay that was mostly characterised by incredible growth and expansion.

Qatar Airways Holds 3-Day Global Sale

Doha-based airline carrier Qatar Airways has launched a massive three-day global sale of attractive fares to more than 100 global destinations, including Australia.

Australian Stock Market Report – Midday 11/7/2012

The Australian sharemarket is improving for the fourth straight day and for the seventh time in eight sessions, with the All Ordinaries Index (XAO) up 0.3 per cent or 12.3 pts to 4516. Almost all sectors are higher; however volume of shares traded remains light ahead of the results from the U.S Presidential elections.

Microsoft Picks Skype Over MSN Messenger

Microsoft is fully embracing the $USUS8.5 billion internet communication technology that came with its Skype acquisition in 2011, disclosing on Tuesday that the messaging client would be its sole application for hundreds of millions of global users to connect via PCs or mobile devices.

New Gadgets for Inclusion in Christmas Shopping List?

The yearend holiday is fast approaching and this early, some people are drawing up their Christmas shopping list. People, after all celebrate Christmas not only with food, decorations, events, and travel, but also with gifts. Today's techie generation inevitable includes high tech gadgets and devices as much appreciated Christmas gifts.

Australian Stock Market Report – Afternoon 11/6/2012

The Australian sharemarket rose for the third straight session and for the sixth time in seven days. The All Ordinaries Index (XAO) edged higher by just 0.2 per cent or 10.1 pts to 4503.7. Despite the improvement, investors weren't overly interested in equities with the Melbourne Cup demanding much of the attention. There were only $2.7 billion worth of shares traded today; around 25 per cent less than yesterday.

A Lesson in Hurricane Economics

Were you watching the markets yesterday, Fellow Reckoner? Well, you might have saved yourself the time. Stocks were flat. Oil and gold both rose, but each by less than half a percent. A virtually uninterrupted snoozefest, in other words.

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