Daily FNArena News - Australia

Australia’s Q4 PPI surprised to the downside, but economists don’t think it will have any impact on RBA policy.

CommSec notes new data from Rismark Australia show Australian housing affordability has actually improved a little since 2003 thanks to rising incomes levels.

A Westpac-Melbourne Institite survey has showed Australians remain positive on the outlook for property prices, with 84% of those responding expecting prices to gain in 2010.

Valuation issues and different views on copper keep stockbroker opinions on OZ Minerals divided.

BHP Billiton’s quarterly production report was something of a mixed bag.

Stockbrokers are taking the view there’s value up for grabs in Macquarie shares as the improving earnings outlook is not fully priced into the stock yet.

The magnitude of Flight Centre’s lift to FY10 earnings guidance has taken the market by surprise.

Consumer confidence in Australia remains “very strong” into the new calendar year, reports Westpac.

Australia’s inofficial inflation gauge from TD securities-MI showed a 0.3% rise in December.

The Australian labour market ended last year on a high note, beating expectations by a mile and making a February rate hike look even more likely.