BUSINESS

Aussie charges forward to a record high

The Australian dollar moved to a new 29-year high on Friday as the dollar continued to slump against most major currencies. The combination of stronger than expected inflation data during the week from Australia, combined with a dovish outlook from the FOMC has continued to drive investors into high yielding currencies.

Australian Dollar Outlook 5/3/2011

Markets around the world welcomed the announcement from US President Barack Obama, that the Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden had been killed.

Global Markets Overview 02/05/2011

U.S. blue-chip stocks closed out their best month of the year Friday, as first quarter earnings reports sent major indexes to fresh multiyear highs. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 47.23 points, or 0.4%, to 12810.54, its highest close since May 2008. The blue-chip measure surged 4% during the month and extended its winning streak to five straight months. The Dow is now up almost 11% for the year.

Australia's business lending on the rise

Business lending is on the rise in Australia, according to figures from the banking regulator, but an industry expert said the data for March is yet to be indicative of the prevailing trend
More news

AUD Clouds Outlook For ResMed

- Strong Aussie dollar hurting ResMed - Revenues and margins weaker in March quarter - Broker views remain divided on the stockBy Chris ShawSleep disorder group ResMed ((RMD)) delivered third quarter results last week, the result showing expected weakness in revenues and some margin pressures given ...

Australian Dollar Outlook 5/2/2011

The Australian dollar continues its march upward trading in the 1.0990’s this morning after equity markets, gold, oil and commodities in general continue to trade higher and the USD remains weak.

Alternative investment firm Altin returns 12.47% over 2010

At the end of its annual general meeting, ALTIN AG (SIX: ALT, LSE: AIA), the Swiss alternative investment company, commented on its final results for 2010. In a generally gloomy financial environment, ALTIN achieved a very positive investment performance in 2010 of +12.47%, easily outperforming the funds of hedge funds index, HFRI FoF (+5.67%). Its highly liquid portfolio allows its manager to follow a dynamic management approach and to take advantage of the investment opportunities.

AIMA launches Brazil initiative

The Alternative Investment Management Association (AIMA), the global hedge fund association, has launched an initiative to engage with the Brazilian hedge fund industry and announced the appointment of a local representative, Michelle Noyes of BRZ Investimentos.

Sydney housing shortage worsens

Urban taskforce CEO Aaron Gadiel is arguing that the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics confirms that Sydney's housing shortfall is "running well short of government projections".

Pound Sterling, Blessed By Royal Charm?

Consumer confidence in the U.K. has been severely shaken, only a wedding of such pomp and ceremony as that of the future King of England can pull the nation out of the doldrums, even if only for the day. Whether the country's collective euphoria can translate into economic goodwill, however, is in question.

The fear of rising property prices

For Australian investors this could either be regarded as largely irrelevant or as a valuable free lesson where we can learn from the pain experienced in other markets having been largely insulated ourselves.

Investors and the plans for better advice

There is a commendable focus on better protection and stronger engagement for investors in the package of reforms announced this week by the Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services and Superannuation, Bill Shorten.

Daily Forex Forecast 05/02/2011

Recent upward momentum and weakness in the Greenback propelled the Aussie Dollar to fresh highs yet again during yesterday's Asian session, topping out at 1.0940 before heading into offshore trade holding above the 1.09 handle.

World Market Overview 05/02/2011

A soaring Australian dollar produced a diving Australian sharemarket on Friday as investors decided that record dollar levels are bad for business.

Global Markets Overview 29/04/2011

U.S. stocks extended their multi-year highs Thursday as the market clung to optimism generated by the Federal Reserve's plans to keep interest rates low and the flow of encouraging corporate earnings. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 72.35 points, or 0.6%, to 12763.31.

NY-based KKR buys into leading Vietnam food firm

New York-based global investment firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR) has taken a 10 percent interest in Masan Consumer Corp., a leading producer and distributor of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) in Vietnam.

New Apple Store to open in historic Brisbane

An addition to Australia’s largest Apple stores is soon to open in the succeeding months in the city of Brisbane. This is a result of yesterday’s announcement of plans concerning the $10.5 million renovation of historic MacArthur Chambers.

Leighton sells 35pc of Indian operations to Welspun

Leighton Holdings Ltd (ASX: LEI) had completed the sale of a 35 per cent stake in its Indian operations to leading diversified Indian conglomerate, Welspun Group. The Australian company said payment was received yesterday.

Australian city home prices decline

Australian capital city dwelling values fell by a seasonally adjusted 2.1 per cent in the first quarter of the year, according to the latest RP Data-Rismark Home Value Index.

Pages