BUSINESS

Australian Stock Market Report - Morning 08/31/2011

The US Conference Board reported that its consumer confidence index hit a 2-year low of 44.5 in August, down from 59.2 in July. The S&P/Case-Shiller home price index measure of 20 metropolitan cities eased by 0.1pct in seasonally adjusted terms in June. In unadjusted terms, prices were up 1.1pct.

Could France Be Downgraded?

- A downgrade of French debt would be extremely detrimental to global sentiment- A new French budget is due next month- Economists fear the government is too optimisticBy Greg Peel2011's version of the 2010 euro-debt sell-off began in April as Greece once again hit the spotlight, followed rathe...
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Apple vs. Samsung: Galaxy S's Perfect Recipe for Success (Failure)

Even the gods have been playing favorites. Samsung was scheduled to unveil on Aug. 29 the Galaxy S2 in the United States, the world's largest economy. But what could be a record launch of "the best smartphone that is not an iPhone", we have Hurricane Irene causing massive blackouts, billions in damages, and at least 44 deaths. Aug. 29 would have been a brilliant timing, as Tim Cook is still rearranging the furniture at Apple's executive offices after being abruptly asked to succe...

Amazon Tablet Called Best Hope Against the iPad

Amazon's newest tablet could be the best rival to Apple's iPad but only if the online retailer is willing to swallow selling the tablet at a loss, according to a study by Forrester Research.

Steel Industry Proposes Non-Protectionist Policy Measures

The Australian Steel Institute (ASI), the peak industry body representing the entire Australian steel supply chain, reiterated it is not proposing any form of mandates or other protectionism measures, but is calling for a more coordinated approach to assessing major project proposals more strongly linked to Australian Industry Participation (AIP) policies.

Uranium Tracks Lower

By Greg PeelBuyers may have been eager to pile in back in March when spot uranium fell below US$50/lb in the initial Fukushima plunge, but having drifted to under that level once more on general nuclear energy uncertainty, there was no sign of such interest emerging last week.

Australian Stock Market up at Midday

The Australian sharemarket is gaining for the second straight day. The vast majority of sectors are trading higher, with the financials index up over 1 pct at lunch.

Six tips for a stress-free kitchen renovation

A glut of recent prime time renovation shows is inspiring Australians across the nation to renovate and create our dream kitchen - despite the fact that for many of us, the process of transforming this space can be a real nightmare.

Breezy Bathroom Renovations on a Budget

Many people put off bathroom renovations, fearing the hip pocket won’t be able to handle the whopping cost – but we’re here to show you that a bathroom refresh doesn’t have to cost the earth.

Building Products Companies At Risk

- Alesco lower 1H12 guidance only a month into the year- Brokers cut forecasts, ratings downgraded- Citi sees implications for other companies in similar markets- Downgrades both GUD Holdings and GWA Group as wellBy Chris ShawIt was only a month ago Alesco Corporation ((ALS)) reported full year earn...

Australian Stock Market Report - Morning 08/30/2011

US consumer spending rose by 0.8pct in July - marking the fastest pace in five months. The pickup in spending was supported by strong demand for motor vehicles as Japan related supply restraints faded. When adjusted for inflation spending was up 0.5pct, the largest increase in 18 months.

Global Markets Overview 08/30/2011

U.S. stocks rallied Monday in some of the thinnest trading of the summer, highlighted by gains for insurers amid relief over Hurricane Irene's relatively light touch on major cities. U.S. stocks rallied Monday in some of the thinnest trading of the summer, highlighted by gains for insurers amid relief over Hurricane Irene's relatively light touch on major cities.

Is This the iPhone of the Future? New Concept Art

While consumers are eagerly waiting for the release of the iPhone 5, a special effects company has created a stunning new iPhone design concept video which could be the future of the highly popular smartphone.

Samsung Delays Product Launch in Australia

Samsung Electronics Co. has agreed on Monday to postpone the launch of its Galaxy Tab 10.1 in Australia until the last week of September because of the court hearing going on in the country.

Mining Sectors Two Biggest Risks

By Richard (Rick) MillsAs a general rule, the most successful man in life is the man who has the best informationCountry Risk - Where the political and economic stability of the host country is questionable, and abrupt changes in the business environment could adversely affect profits or the value o...

Australian Stock Market - Morning 08/29/2011

US Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke didn´t unveil fresh stimulus measures in a speech delivered on Friday but said that the central bank was ready to use additional tools to boost growth. The September policy meeting has been extended to two days to consider new measures.

Global Markets Overview 08/29/2011

U.S. stocks closed higher in whipsawed trading Friday as investors applauded Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke's stern remarks about the struggling economy and his decision to leave the door open for additional accommodative measures.

REPEAT Rudi's View: Gold And Dividends

(This story was originally written and published on Wednesday, 24th August, 2011. It has now been re-published to make it available to non-paying members at FNArena and to readers elsewhere).

Metcash, Free to Acquire Franklins

The Federal Court's dismissal of an application by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has enabled Metcash to proceed with its acquisition of the Franklins chain of supermarkets from Pick ‘n Pay.

Debit Set to Overtake Credit Cards?

Debit cards are set to be the most commonly used payment method, surpassing cash and credit cards, if younger generations have anything to do with it.

Qantas 'Racist' Stunt Backfires

The NSW Aboriginal Land Council has expressed disappointment at Qantas Airways after the Australian airline awarded prizes to two men for dressing up in “Blackface” at the Bledisloe Cup over the weekend.

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