BUSINESS

A new report by the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) found that an unconscious bias against female workers persists across the country.

Apple finally decided to quell the rumors about the next generation iPhone when it sent out email invitations on Tuesday to a press event called "Let's Talk iPhone".

World oil prices has moved up more than 5 percent on Tuesday on encouraging news that European fiscal managers are working overtime on a bailout fund to contain the region's debilitating sovereign-debt crisis.

MIDDAY REPORT (12pm AEST)The Australian sharemarket is gaining for the second straight day with the ASX 200 index (XJO) up 0.5 pct or 20.5 pts to 4025.1 while the broader All Ordinaries index (XAO) is also 0.5 pct or 22.2 pts higher to 4085.7. Shares improved by 3.5 pct yesterday, breaking three consecutive sessions of losses.

Australians appear to be reluctant in acquiring new properties for now as a new industry survey showed mere moderate gains in the real estate sector in August, posting sales improvement of only 1.1 percent in the month.

A report released by the G-20’s Financial Stability Board is calling on Australian legislators and finance managers to implement measures that will minimize the country’s dependence on the big four banks.

Gold futures on Tuesday regained its foothold after a three-day slide on a weakened U.S. dollar and renewed investor confidence fuelled by encouragement that European fiscal regulators are working overtime on a bailout fund to address the region's debilitating sovereign-debt crisis.

- Campbell Brothers (again) lifts interim earnings guidance- Upgrade reflects continued strength in minerals testing volumes- Brokers lift earnings forecasts- UBS and Macquarie see value at current levelsBy Chris ShawHaving previously guided to 1H12 net profit of $90-$95 million, management at Campb...

Beijing's efforts to revive the six-nation nuclear disarmament dialogue with North Korea will still be pursued amidst China's efforts to continue assisting North Korea in boosting economic and trade reforms, reports Xinhua News Agency.

By Greg PeelBank analysts figured it out a while back, but unfortunately the market has not, particularly foreign investors in the Australian market.

The Australian Industry (Ai) Group will push for an increase in the goods and services tax (GST) rate in the Oct. 4 and 5 tax forum organized by the federal government.

By Greg PeelThe Dow closed up 146 points or 1.3% while the S&P gained 1.1% to 1175 and the Nasdaq added 1.

US home prices were unchanged in seasonally adjusted terms in July. The S&P/Case Shiller 20-city home price index was unchanged in the month but up 0.9pct in unadjusted terms to stand 4.1pct lower than a year ago. US consumer confidence rose from 45.2 to 45.4 in September. And the Richmond Fed manufacturing index improved from minus 10 in August to minus 6 in September.

Australia's stock markets are expected to to see further gains at the open of trade as stocks continue their relief rally. Once again, there is very little in the way of local economic news so sentiment is going to continue to be dominated by the big macro forces in play.

U.S. stocks rose Tuesday, even as a sharp afternoon downdraft prompted U.S. stocks to erase more than half of their earlier gains, as investors fretted over a report that highlighted a potential split in the euro zone over the terms of Greece's second bailout. The Dow Jones Industrial Average finished the session up 146.83 points, or 1.3%, at 11190.69, after surging as much as 325 points earlier in the session. The gains came a day after the blue-chip index climbed 272 points.

AFTERNOON REPORT (4.30pm AEST)The Australian share market snapped a three day losing streak today, rallying by 3.5pct as investor sentiment was boosted by hopes European leaders will announce fresh measures to address the sovereign debt crisis. The All Ordinaries Index (XAO) added 135.9pts to 4063.5, after touching an intra-day high of 4049. The S&P/ASX 200 Index (XJO) firmed by 140.7pts or 3.6pct to 4004.6.

Netflix Inc. and DreamWorks Animation has reached a multi-year streaming deal that gives Netflix exclusive rights to run DreamWorks feature films and television specials.

A few days after alarming levels of radioactive cesium and iodine 131 were reported near the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, local officials plan to decontaminate homes within 60 kilometers, NHK World News reported.

Across Asia, regional markets are all sharply higher following the strong rebound rally seen in overnight trade amidst renewed hopes the latest plan European officials are working on will help ease the debt crisis. The Kospi is the best performer, up 4.1% while the Shanghai Composite, Nikkei 225 and Hang Seng are all up between 0.5% and 2.5%.

The latest Australian Industry Group/Deloitte CEO survey released on Tuesday, "Business Regulation," points to the high and rising cost of complying with regulation for Australian businesses.

Federal Court Justice Annabelle Bennett hinted Monday that she may grant a brief injunction on sales of Samsung tablet while studying arguments from Samsung and rival Apple, a development that would likely delay the Australian debut of Samsung's 10.1 Galaxy Tab.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is investigating Standard & Poor on suspicion of issuing a complex mortgage security identified as Delphinus in 2007, at a time when the housing market already was crumbling.

Fashion magazines are now selling the goods they cover in e-commerce sites and could potentially become competitors to retail stores like Neiman Marcus and Barneys New York.

MIDDAY REPORT (12pm AEST)As expected, the Australian share market is wiping out yesterday's falls with the All Ordinaries index (XAO) up 2.9 pct or 114.9 pts to 4042.5. Keep in mind that despite the improvement, the market locally has still lost ground for five of the past seven sessions.

- The Good Guys are up for sale- A chance for Woolies or Wesfarmers?- The business could bolster either's hardware chainsBy Greg PeelCome in a see the Good, Good, Good Guys / Pay cash and we'll slash low prices.

Air New Zealand hiked its stake in Virgin Australia by 5 per cent to 19.99 per cent. With the increase, the flag carrier became the second largest shareholder next to parent firm Virgin Group.

Vodafone Australia has put a teaser site that allows users to register to get information on "this year's biggest smartphone release," which the ad hints is "coming soon to Vodafone."

The MFAA has echoed warnings from Gadens Lawyers about the use of the term "independent" in describing the services provided by mortgage brokers.

It's now clear that gold and silver have emerged as the major casualties of the current sell-off, only 10 days after gold dealers and several leading forecasters predicted the price would top $US2,000 an ounce by the end of the year.