Daily FNArena News - Australia

The National Australia Bank quarterly survey of SMEs for September showed an improvement in business conditions in all states except Western Australia.

The RBA will raise again, according to the minutes of the November meeting, but the pace of hikes is still open.

The FY result barely pipped expectations and 2010 will admittedly be a tough year, but a light is being seen by some the end of the tunnel.

Recent share price underperformance has apparently improved the value on offer in Perpetual shares.

A Westpac-Melbourne Institute survey finds Australian consumers will not be lashing out this Christmas.

Australian labour market figures for Otober were stronger than the market had expected and suggest a further 0.25% hike in the cash rate is likely when the RBA meets next month.

Oz Consumers have turned a little less exuberant about prospects for employment and inflation, but nothing to worry about.

Wesfarmers AGM comments included confirmation its Curragh coal project would be expanded, which brokers see as modestly positive for earnings longer term.

Brokers are happy to hear the rivers are flowing again but at least one still sees only a creek.

Consumer confidence in Australia is becoming more sensitive towards further rate hikes, Westpac economists report.