BUSINESS

Australian Stock Market Report – Midday 6/22/2012

The Australian share market remains under pressure today, but fortunately isn't falling as hard as futures markets had predicted following a sell-off on global markets overnight. European and US markets fell in response to downbeat economic data out of America and China. After the bell, ratings agency Moody's downgraded 15 global banks adding to the negative sentiment. At lunchtime in the East, the All Ordinaries Index (XAO) is weaker by 43.1pts or 1pct to 4133.7.

Gina Rinehart Invests $5 M in Queensland Coal Venture

Australia's richest woman, Gina Rinehart, may be busy seeking a seat in Fairfax Media board, but she has not left unattended the more lucrative mining sector, which catapulted her to become the world's richest woman. On Thursday, she invested $5 million in International Coal's (ASX: ICX) coal venture in Queensland.

Ignorance Is A Temporary Condition

By Richard (Rick) MillsAhead of the HerdAs a general rule, the most successful man in life is the man who has the best informationGeorge Mitchell, as a member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve in 1966, began urging bankers to consider how "the computer can drastically change money and...
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MacBook 2012 Retina Display: Is It Worth The Price?

Apple has just unveiled its new MacBook line specifically the MacBook 2012 with Retina Display which is considered as one of the best gadgets launched by Apple. Despite that recognition, many people are asking this crucial question: Is it worth the price?

IT Firms Top 2012 List of Australia's Ideal Workplace

What makes an ideal workplace environment? As far as the findings issued this week by Business Review Weekly (BRW) are concerned, the general happiness and contentment of workers greatly depend on the culture being espoused by their employers.

Metcash Purchase of Mitre 10 May Spark Hardware Price War

After the price war on fresh produce between supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths, industry observers are anticipating another price battle, this time on hardware items. The price war could be the result of Metcash's purchase of Mitre 10.

Microsoft Promises Seamless Platform Adaptability on New Windows 8 Phone

Microsoft said on Wednesday that upcoming Windows Phones, which will run on the soon-to-be launched Windows 8, will give seamless mobile computing experience to global consumers, effectively unifying market platforms that the software maker has spent billions in the past years to break into.

Fairfax Launches AirLink

Last month Fairfax launched some nifty technology that allows users to scan images in the Sydney Morning Herald and then view further images or videos in relation to the article. This means for a property advertised in the SMH readers could scan the property image and then perform a virtual open inspection through their mobile. I’m not yet aware that this is the case but I’m sure it’s something they will release shortly.

Why Would Gina Rinehart Do Any Worse Than Fairfax?

Gina Rinehart has asked for three board seats at Fairfax. Her accumulation of shares in the company has led Fairfax reporters to fret about editorial independence and the integrity of the Fairfax brand. But let's suck the emotion right out of it and boil it down to business.

Australia’s Farm Exports to Go Down 5% in 2012-13 to $34.4B

The country's farm exports is forecast to go down 5 per cent for 2012-13 to $34.4 billion from $36 billion. The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) issued the downgrade on Tuesday in its March forecast.

End Game for 31 All GAME Australia Stores

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) announced on Tuesday that the 31 remaining All GAME stores in Australia would be closed after failure to find a buyer. PwC was appointed administrator of the video games retailer after All GAME's British parent company collapsed and placed into administration.

Motorola Droid Razr Maxx Receives Android Update (Beta Version)

Motorola Droid Razr and Droid Razr Maxx are slated to receive their Android 4.0 or Android ICS update based on the recent announcement made by Motoroloa. Even if Motorola has not disclosed any specific date, the smartphone manufacturer revealed that the update is already rolled out but on the hands of their beta testers.

New Nintendo 3DS Games 2012

Nintendo recently unveiled new Nintendo 3DS games that will be launched for 2012. Nintendo have listed down the most anticipated games for the console as well as the updated downloadable content available in the Nintendo eShop. The games were first unveiled during the E3 2012 event held at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Australian Stock Market Report – Midday 6/20/2012

Local stocks are staging a rebound today on the back of positive moves on offshore markets. US shares rose on hopes of further stimulus from the Federal Reserve while European markets rallied to a one month high. Mid-session, the All Ordinaries Index (XAO) is firmer by 21.6pts or 0.5pct to 4189.

DC Universe Online Presents "The Last Laugh"

DC Universe Online and Sony Entertainment LLC had just revealed "The Last Laugh" which is the fourth downloadable content (DLC) pack for DC Universe Online. This downloadable content is more focused on the online multiplayer feature of the game.

Ubuntu 12.04 Review: Is this the Best Version Yet?

A new version of Ubuntu has been released in the market (Ubuntu 12.04) and it has received a lot of positive reviews ever since it was revealed to the public. Some people even go further by calling it the best Ubuntu version.

Who’s Afraid of a Gina Rinehart Lawsuit?

The thought of battling out a lawsuit from Australia's richest woman has apparently struck fear in the hearts of Fairfax Media directors. Before they would allow Georgina Rinehart, the largest stakeholder in the company, a board seat, the directors are said to be seeking immunity from a Rinehart lawsuit, The Australian reports.

Surface: The New Windows 8 Tablet from Microsoft

Microsoft finally unveiled the reason behind the "secret event" that they revealed a few days ago as the company revealed a new Windows 8 tablet in the market. This is Microsoft's first forray in the tablet market.

Global Investing: The Next 40 Years

"Travel - its very motion - ought to suggest hope. Despair is the armchair; it is indifference and glazed, incurious eyes. I think travelers are essentially optimists, or else they would never go anywhere."

Lynas Rare Earths Plant Gets Backing of Malaysian Parliament: Plant Facility is Safe

The Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) created to look into the safety of the highly disputed $200-million rare earths processing plant of Lynas Corp. in Malaysia has concluded that the facility is safe and has strongly urged for the immediate release of the temporary operating license (TOL) to finally start the plant's delayed operations.

Will Samsung Veer Away from Android?

Upon formally assuming office Monday this week, new Samsung Chief Executive Kwon Oh-hyun immediately disclosed that he intends to pour a great deal of time and resources for the giant South Korean tech firm to further develop its software division.

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