BUSINESS

Aussie Home Loans slams exit fees ban by federal government

The Federal Government’s ban on exit fees will lessen competition in the mortgage market, add to the cost of home loans and may even cause higher interest rates, according to Australia’s leading mortgage broker, Aussie Home Loans.

Feature: living With Rising Oil

Oil prices are still rising.That's forced the AMP's Chief Economist, Dr Shane Oliver to take another look at the likely impact.After a dip last week on the back of the tragedy in Japan the US West Texas Intermediate oil price is back above $US105 a barrel and Asian Tapis oil prices are around $US120 a barrel.(first graph here world oil prices still on the rise)Increasing tensions in the ...

Europe: More Woes As Portugal Approaches Bailout

So now we have the worst of all worlds in Europe.Portugal, the third of the PIIGs (Portugal, Ireland, Italy and Greece), has lost its government and there is now no one there to ask for a bailout, should one be needed, or to make the decisions to stave off one.José Socrates, Portugal's prime minister, resigned on Wednesday night after losing a crucial vote on austerity measures. That was the ...
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Qantas further lifts fares as fuel costs hike

Qantas Airways Ltd, Australia’s national carrier, says it would again increase domestic, regional and Tasman air fares sold in Australia as part of its ongoing response to high oil and jet fuel prices.

Fleetwood 's Upside Constrained

- Fleetwood enjoying growth in recreational vehicles demand- Manufactured accommodation division being hurt by strong $A- Fair value at current levels according to Moelis By Chris ShawFleetwood Corporation ((FWD)) has been one of a number of Australian mining services companies to benefit from the commodity price boom. This has been reflected in solid share price performance, Fleetwood's price ris...

Fleetwood 's Upside Contrained

- Fleetwood enjoying growth in recreational vehicles demand- Manufactured accommodation division being hurt by strong $A- Fair value at current levels according to Moelis By Chris ShawFleetwood Corporation ((FWD)) has been one of a number of Australian mining services companies to benefit from the commodity price boom. This has been reflected in solid share price performance, Fleetwood's price ris...

Qantas Air hikes fares anew

Qantas Airways has announced that it would further increase domestic, regional, and trans-Tasman flights for the second time after the forward adjustment made in February due to higher fuel prices.

How to Avoid Taking it on the Chin? Again

- Many small time investors have been burnt in FX trading recently as the Yen changed direction- Despite gigantic marketing efforts from trading platforms, FX trading is not a guaranteed win-win- Investment U's Alexander Green offers some wise advise By Alexander Green , Investment U’s Chief Investment Strategist Monday, March 21, 2011: Issue #1473Pity the average investor…He got burn...

The Overnight Report: Let Us Rebuild

By Greg PeelThe Dow closed up 67 points or 0.6% while the S&P rose 0.3% to 1297 and the Nasdaq added 0.5%.Wall Street opened lower last night on the release of the US February new home sales, which fell 16.9% from January and 28% from a year ago to 250,000. Economists had expected a slight rise to 290,000.The disparity and the size of the drop led many to question what is always a highly volatile ...

The Insidious Effects Of Japan's Disaster

Guest commentary by John Browne, Euro PacificWhile the world's attention has been focused on the physical destruction wrought by the Japanese earthquake and tsunami, the desperate attempts to contain the fallout from the shattered Fukushima Daiichi plant, and the daunting problems that Japan faces in rebuilding its infrastructure, few have truly illustrated how long-lasting and widespread the radi...

Japan: Disaster Aftermath, Costs, Shake Economy

It's just on a fortnight since the terrible earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis shook confidence in Japan and world markets, and you'd be entitled to think that all is right in the world.Share prices have bounced back, commodity prices have firmed and risk aversion has again been relegated to the backburner.But Japan weakened yesterday after early strength.The Nikkei fell in late trad...

Europe: Portugal, Finland Threaten Summit

Portugal's government is in danger of collapse as the country's opposition parties oppose another austerity package, a move that could force the country to seek a bailout from the rest of Europe and the International Monetary Fund.According to media reports, the situation in Portugal was due to come to a head last night.The Financial Times reported:"Portuguese opposition parties have ref...

John Holland wins Curtis Island LNG marine project

John Holland, a wholly owned subsidiary of Leighton Holdings Ltd (ASX: LEI) has secured a $150 million subcontract for the construction of marine offloading facilities as part of Gladstone LNG’s proposed Curtis Island LNG facility.

Mortgage exit fees banned at last

The Federal Government's ban on mortgage exit fees passed into law Wednesday and will apply to all new home loans from 1 July 2011.

NAB: Removal of mortgage exit fees good for customers and bank competition

National Australia Bank (ASX: NAB) today showed it support to the government’s plan to ban exit fees saying that the removal of mortgage exit fees is good for bank customers and competition and would also benefit those lenders who are offering their customers the fairest value and most competitive interest rates.

Australian Parliament approves $5.6-B flood levy

The Australian Parliament has approved the Commonwealth Government's Flood and Cyclone Levy Bill, which has earmarked some $5.6 billion in funds for the reconstruction of severely damaged townships.

David Jones posts record high H1 profit

Upscale retailer David Jones Ltd (ASX: DJS) today reported a record high first half profit after tax (PAT) of $105.7 million for the six months ended 29 January 2011 (1H11). This represents an increase of 5.2 per cent on 1H10 ($100.5 million).

US Consumer Sentiment Reveals Its Fragility

- Recent threats and events have had a noticeable impact on US consumers appetite for discretionary durable goods- Surveys by the Consumer Metrics Institute show another decline in spending was occurring prior to events in Japan- Is there a parallel between human errors made at Chernobyl and Fed policies post the GFC? News And The Consumer, Reflections On Chernobyl And The EconomyBy Consumer Metri...

A Positive Solution For Woodside

- The market is fearful of Shell's desire to sell its Woodside stake- The market is not ascribing value to Woodside's ambitious developments- Woodside is struggling with funding, but Shell needs projects- Perhaps the solution is to swap one for the otherBy Greg PeelGlobal oil and gas giant Royal Dutch Shell has a problem. Once the global leader in liquid natural gas, Shell is finding its position ...

Australian Dollar Outlook 23/03/2011

The Australian Dollar has opened firmer this morning, trading north from yesterday’s levels through USD 1.0100 after continued support from investors seeking higher yielding assets.

RBS upgrades Westpac Banking Co. to “buy”

Ratings agency RBS has upgraded Westpac Banking Co., shares from a "hold" rating to a "buy" rating after equities research analyst noted confidence in the bank. The research note was presented to investors on Monday.

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