POLITICS & POLICY

Australian Stock Market Report - Midday 1/19/2012

The Australian sharemarket is gaining for the third time this week at lunch, with the All Ordinaries index (XAO) up 0.3 pct or 12.4 pts to 4293. Most sectors are improving however the defensive telcos are pulling back slightly. Australian shares were up by around 0.5 pct prior to the release of some worse than expected employment numbers this morning.

Australian Dollar Outlook - 19 January 2012

Bell FX Currency Outlook: The Australian Dollar remains above USD 1.0400 as US equity markets ground higher following the release of sound US economic data and plans by the IMF to bolster funds for bail-out requirements.
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Reasons Why Hong Kong is the Easiest Country to Do Business

American think tank Heritage Foundation released last week the 2012 Index of Economic Freedom with Hong Kong on top of the list. The report is a measure of economic freedom or the ease of doing business in 179 countries based on a 10-point criteria.

Sativex Talks: Could New Study Push Cannabis Legalization?

The study on the mouth spray Sativex has been the talk of the town most recently as it can possibly change how withdrawals from marijuana are treated. And with all the buzz going about the prospects of the medicine, can this be the very thing that can push the legalization of cannabis?

Frustrated Gabon to Recall China’s Rights into Iron Ore Deposit, Mulls Transfer to Australia’s BHP Billiton – Report

Apparently irked over China's slow progress in developing the Belinga iron ore deposit, the government of West African nation Gabon has been reported mulling to transfer the mine's exploration and ownership rights to BHP Billiton Ltd., in what could be a winning moment for the latter as it works to branch out its main production base away from Western Australia's Pilbara region.

Australian Stock Market Report - Midday 1/18/2012

The Australian sharemarket is losing ground for the second time this week, with the All Ordinaries index down 0.1 pct or 4.8 pts to 4272.9. This is despite gains from both European and U.S markets overnight.

S. Korea’s Posco Steel Expands Ownership Stake in Australian Iron Ore Firm

Posco of South Korea, the world's third-biggest steelmaker, prompted by heating competition from rival Asian steelmaking countries China and India, as well as the United States, on Tuesday announced it is in talks to increase its ownership control in the Roy Hill iron ore project in Western Australia.

Banks in Australia, 17 Other Countries to Undergo IMF Stress Tests

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) will make banks from Australia and 17 other nations undergo a stress test to ensure these lenders could withstand another financial crisis. It is part of the required five-year check-up of the top 25 global financial sectors.

Martin Luther King Jr.: 8 Peaceful Protests that Supported Civil Rights

Martin Luther King Jr, was known as the dominant leader of the U.S. civil rights movement from 1955 until 1968. Rev. Dr. King was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's teachings which focused on nonviolent protest as the most effective method in putting an end to a racist and unequal society.

China's GDP Seen Skidding Below 9% in Q4 2011

Could it really be a 'Happy New Year' for China as it welcomes the new lunar year? On Tuesday, the world awaits the official results of China 's fourth quarter gross domestic product (GDP) even as economic experts and analysts already foresee a growth decline not below 9 percent.

Australian Stock Market Report - Afternoon 1/16/2012

The Australian sharemarket has pulled back today following a negative end to the week from global markets and ratings downgrades for a number of Eurozone economies. The All Ordinaries index (XAO) fell 1.1 pct or 46.5 pts to 4208.9 however activity remained light due to a public holiday in the U.S tonight.

N. Sumatra Martabe Gold and Silver Mine Eyes March Operation

Construction works on the Martabe gold and silver mine project in North Sumatra, previously owned by Australian gold and copper miner OZ Minerals, is almost complete, with gold and silver production expected to commence by the end of March, the chief executive officer (CEO) of the mine's new owner, G-Resources, said.

Australian Stock Market Report - Midday 1/16/2012

The Australian sharemarket has kicked off the week in the red with the All Ordinaries index (XAO) down 1 pct or 41.3 pts to 4214.1. Almost all sectors are losing ground however the miners are the worst performers, down around 1.3 pct.

Australian Dollar Outlook - 16 January 2012

Bell FX Currency Outlook: Financial markets focused on the credit downgrade of the sovereign debt of nine European nations by S & P on Friday that again highlighted the debt woes that Europe faces.

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