MARKETS

A renewed optimism from U.S.-based consumers provided a boost to the trading of Australian and New Zealand dollars in New York at the day's closing.

A snapshot of economist responses to today's stronger than expected Australian labour market data for June.

The Australia 200 CFD Index closed 0.5% lower at 4254.6, with consumer discretionary, financial and energy names detracting most of the points.

In accordance with its expansion plans in the region, Volkswagen said on Tuesday that it is looking to establish a new motor plant in North America where the company plans to invest up to $US1 billion which should commence by 2013.

Analysts compare the impact of the new MRRT and PRRT tax proposals to the previous RSPT proposal.

It has become fashionable to question the integrity of China's economic data, but what about data in the US?

A Toyota Motor Corp official admitted on Tuesday that the car company was well aware of the Lexus’ engine problem some two years earlier but instead of issuing a recall, it merely ordered the replacement of the spring part to correct what the company assumed then as an isolated manufacturing issue.

The Australian share market started the day off in promising fashion after gains from both US and European shares overnight.

Wall Street opened strongly last night, failed, and then kicked at the close. There is now a clear battle between buyers and sellers. Dow up 57.

On Wall St overnight, stocks opened sharply higher after a three day break, with the S&P 500 rising from a 10-month low amid speculation earnings growth in the upcoming reporting season will help equities rebound from their cheapest valuations since the March 2009 bear market low.

The US ISM services index eased from 55.4 to 53.8 in June, below forecasts centred on a result near 55.0.

U.S. stocks closed higher Tuesday, with Microsoft, Alcoa and Bank of America among the gainers, although continued concerns about global growth sapped some of the market's earlier gains.

As expected, no rate rise from the Reserve Bank yesterday and indeed, rates could be on hold for an indeterminate time i...

The other side of the current economic paradox, referred to in yesterday's story on car sales, was shown in the May trad...

It was hardly the most ringing endorsement for the outlook for the Australian sharemarket.But in the end, the main obje...

Building materials group, Boral, aims to raise about $490 million to fund investments, reduce debt and pay for asset wri...

Macarthur Coal yesterday raised its full-year profit forecast by about 10% after revealing a late surge in exports in ...

As economists predicted, the Reserve Bank of Australia has kept cash rates on hold, giving debtors another month of regular payment costs amid rising inflation pressure.

Copper prices have been relatively resilient in recent months but positive market fundamentals suggest upside for those with a longer-term view on the market.

The Australia 200 CFD Index closed 1.3% firmer at 4276.1, with financial, energy and industrial names adding most of the points.

Across the region, Asian markets are mixed following a complete lack of leads overnight and in very thin, holiday-affected trade.

The Australian market has today shrugged off weak leads, bouncing off the "flash crash" lows to make strong gains following Reserve Bank commentary this afternoon.

Official figures furnished on Tuesday by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) showed that the country posted a trade surplus for two consecutive months going into May and many economists are in agreement that Australia is all prepped up to enter a series of surplus performance in the months to come.

The Australian share market has started the day off weaker once again with the S&P/ASX 200 index down 0.1pct or 2.2pts to 4219.9.

The spot uranium market was quiet last week ahead of the final US Department of Energy inventory sale for 2010.

The market is down 11. The SFE Futures were down 13 this morning. It looks as if the market will close down for the 10th...

The Australian dollar opened weaker early today as shareholders wait for the interest rate decision of the Reserve Bank of Australia during the domestic session.

Once again the core paradox on the consumption side of the Australian economy has been underlined.Another solid month of...

Once again the core paradox on the consumption side of the Australian economy has been underlined.Another solid month of...