MARKETS

For weeks now a common market discussion has turned around the rise of the markets and the speed with which the ASX200 ascended to the 6000 mark. Over the course of this time there have been few outcomes to interfere with the rosier perspective adopted by the market. The last week has seen this paradigm revert to themes that were common place at the end of last year. European political risk and the state of US finances have returned to cast a pall over market sentiment.

The Australian sharemarket is lower today following an uncertain Italian election result overnight. The All Ordinaries index (XAO) is down 0.6 per cent or 31 pts to 5041.7.

On February 26, 2013, the Assistant Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia, Guy Debelle, addressed a breakfast gathering at the University of Adelaide Business School.

- Tropical Cyclone Rusty expected to make landfall today- Port Hedland and Dampier ports already closed- Supply disruptions expected- Possible short term run in spot pricesBy Andrew NelsonIt's either the product of a good sense of humour, or a wonderful example of natural irony, but either way ...

By Greg PeelThe Dow fell 216 points, or 1.6%, while the S&P lost 1.8% to 1487 and the Nasdaq dropped 1.

By Andrew NelsonLast week The Japan Times reported that Japanese utilities were selling uranium inventory.

The Australian share market ended higher on Monday although it wasn't a flawless performance. Figures released mid-session revealed that activity in the Chinese manufacturing sector eased in the month of February. As a result the Aussie dollar and the share market retreated in response.

The Australian sharemarket has opened the week higher following strong global leads over the weekend.

- TPI result surprises- Trend improving- Recovery story beginning- Not without riskBy Greg PeelOnce flying high with an $11 stock price, waste collector and recycler Transpacific Industries ((TPI)) found itself a significant victim of the 2007 global credit crunch as the market rushed out of over-le...

Unlike Tom Albanese, his counterpart in Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton (BHP: ASX) Chief Executive Marius Kloppers insisted over the weekend that he was not sacked, and his retirement is part of the miner's succession plan in place since he was appointed to the top post six years ago.

By Andrew NelsonWith reporting season swinging into top gear last week, this week's report is chock-a-block full of recommendation revisions.

The Australian sharemarket is starting to record a comeback following yesterday's hefty 2.2 per cent slump. The All Ordinaries index (XAO) is up 1.2 per cent or 58.6 pts to 5057.2. Concerns were high yesterday, which resulted in the local market's biggest daily pullback since May 2012. This Sunday's Italian leadership election was keeping investors at bay while U.S Congress has barely a week to deal with the Fiscal Cliff spending cuts drama.

BAE posted lower-than-expected full year profits for 2012 as sales reduced while pre-tax profits slumped by approximately 6 percent, blaming delay in the final terms of pricing of the Saudi Arabia-based contract.

By Andrew NelsonJapan is entering a new era, the era of Abeconomics. This refers to the new economic policy platform being rolled out by the new Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe.

This article was first published exclusively for FNArena subscribers on February 15 and is now open for general readership.

By Greg PeelThe Dow closed down 46 points, or 0.3%, while the S&P lost 0.6% to 1502 and the Nasdaq fell 1.

Local stocks suffered their biggest fall since May 2012 today, slumping by more than two percent as investors booked profits following the recent rally. The All Ordinaries Index (XAO) fell 115.8pts or 2.3pct to 4998.6pts. The ASX/200 (XJO) also dropped below 5000pts, easing by 118.6pts or 2.3pct to 4980.1pts.

To get to salvation, though, you must take the road of repentance. We'll have a look at the major landmarks along the highway. But first, to more pedestrian matters.

Quick, somebody tell the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) about natural gas. It's the new investment boom the bank is looking for, only it's already happening in the energy sector, not the housing sector. Even central bankers can't always get what they want.

Australia has enjoyed strong consistent economic growth (over 20 years of expansion), low unemployment and increasing living standards. Its old economy avoided the implosion of the new economy. Its economic performance was underpinned by strong growth in emerging nations, especially China and India, and demand for commodities.

The Australian share market opened lower this morning after a late trade selloff on US markets. US investors sold out of stocks and commodities after US Central Bank (Federal Reserve - FOMC) minutes from its January meeting showed policymaker´s held further discussions on slowing its bond buying program. The US Fed has been restimulating the US economy by buying bonds (basically printing money) and pushing it back into the economy, but if they reduce this program is could stall or slow growth. O...

The European Union will imposed retroactive duties on Made-in-China solar panels and Chinese firms that export the PVs if proven that the panels were sold below production cost because of subsidies.

Supermarket chains Aldi and Lidl topped the annual supermarket survey as they were voted second and third most favorite while rivals Morrisons and Sainsbury were left lagging behind. The survey, which was conducted among the UK's nine biggest supermarkets, named Tesco as the least favorite supermarket.

In a bid to rise from its financial quagmire, Australian flag carrier Qantas will issue in the third quarter of 2013 a pre-paid credit card which will load 9 different currencies.However, Qantas reported on Wednesday a bit of financial relief when it logged almost a triple first-half profit of $111 million.The credit card, which could also be used as a travel card in 35 million locations around the world that would earn holders points on eligible purchases, would be issued to 9 million ...

By Greg PeelThe Dow fell 108 points, or 0.8%, while the S&P fell 1.2% to 1512 as the Nasdaq dropped 1.

Local stocks closed at fresh four and a half year highs today, boosted by positive momentum in offshore markets and generally strong earnings results. The All Ordinaries Index (XAO) rose by 14pts or 0.3pct to 5115, its best level since early September 2008.

The Australian sharemarket is improving for the third straight day, with the All Ordinaries Index (XAO) up 0.3 per cent or 15.6 pts to 5116.6. This takes the gains so far in 2013 to 9.6 per cent. It isn't a huge surprise that markets are higher, with shares up close to 2 per cent overnight in Europe. This was partly thanks to some positive signs for the future outlook of the German economy.

By Greg PeelThe Dow rose 53 points, or 0.3%, while the S&P gained 0.7% to 1530 (another new 5-year high) and the Nasdaq added 0.

-Brokers raise earnings estimates-New JV in the UK-Solid leasing outlook-More organic growth to comeBy Eva BrocklehurstMacmillan Shakespeare ((MMS)), which provides workplace benefits administration services, has pleased brokers with its strong first half.