Daily FNArena News - Australia

Australian labour force data surprised on the upside for the fifth consecutive month, adding weight to the view the RBA will lift rates in March.

Minc Stockbroking advisor Doug Grant shares his thoughts on the game currently being played out in Australia’s wealth management industry.

The latest Westpac-Melbourne Institute Consumer Sentiment survey shows further rate hikes are expected, but consumers seem prepared.

Underlying earnings for 2009 were a little below expectations but with the market now looking to 2010, brokers continue to see value in Alumina at current levels.

Despite the RBA surprising the market by leaving interest rates unchanged earlier this month Australian consumer sentiment fell slightly in February.

Miroequities rates junior telecommunications carrier BigAir a Strong Buy.

A study by Datamonitor has shown the Australian personal loan market has remained resilient through the economic downturn.

ResMed beat market expectations with its second quarter result.

RBS Australia is the latest to commence coverage on ATM supplier Customers, and to add one more Buy rating.

Australian retail sales numbers for December fell short of market expectations.