BUSINESS

World Market Overview

U.S. stocks ticked higher Monday, as energy stocks were boosted by cooler temperatures.

Daily forex forecast - 21/12/2010

Sovereign risk concerns in Europe continue to occupy the minds of traders and the associated risk aversion is likely to keep a lid on the Aussie around the US99 cent mark.
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Leighton's John Holland to construct at Singleton base

Leighton Holdings (ASX: LEI) said today its subsidiary John Holland has won the contract to deliver the enhanced land force (ELF) stage 2 works at the Singleton Army Base in NSW by the Australian Department of Defence. The construct only contract is valued at approximately $110 million.

Paladin penetrates Canada via Aurora takeover

Uranium miner Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX:PDN) has initiated its uranium business in Canada and entered into a definitive agreement to purchase Aurora Energy Resources Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Fronteer Gold (TSX:FRG, AMEX:FRG).

ACCC urges caution on proliferation of holiday scams

Some quarters are out to make money by duping unsuspecting individuals and the competition watchdog is urging the Australian public to be on guard as holiday-induced scams proliferate at this time of the year.

Median housing prices decline

Latest figures show that median prices for houses in the country decreased during the September quarter according to the Mortgage Choice Real Estate Market Facts report.

Coffey slashes jobs, downgrades earnings forecasts

Consultant engineer Coffey International Ltd (ASX:COF) today announced it is going to simplify its organisation structure and further reduce operating costs to bring the company into line with fee revenue. Approximately 100 positions will be made redundant.

Australian bonds close stronger

After trailing the US Treasury market on its overnight rebound, the Australian bond market ended stronger on Friday’s closing.

World Market Overview

U.S. blue chip stocks closed slightly lower Friday as regulatory worries weighed on drug makers, but the losses were muted in the face of positive profit reports from technology companies.

Daily forex forecast - 20/12/2010

The continued recent resurgence of the greenback is capping any gains on the Aussie around the US99 cent area and we open today at 0.9870.

Rio Tinto's NZ smelter slashes output by 5%

Anglo-Australian Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) said production at its New Zealand Aluminium Smelters Ltd subsidiary was being cut by about 5 percent due to high electricity prices.

Eco-buildings eligible for tax breaks starting July 2011

Beginning July 1, 2011, buildings that make the necessary changes to cut down on energy consumption will be eligible for a one-off bonus tax deduction worth 50 percent of the cost of the eligible eco-assets or capital works.

ACCC approves Aspen bid for Sigma

The Australian competition watchdog has given the go-ahead to South African-based Aspen Pharmacare Holdings to buy Sigma Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX:SIP) pharmaceutical's division for $900 million.

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