Daily FNArena News - Australia

Australian retail sales for the December quarter fell short of market expectations and sees some economists predicting GDP growth will be negative for the quarter.

Ten Network hopes to raise $90m in a non-underwritten book-build. Analysts don’t think the company will.

The Westpac-Melbourne Institute Leading Index was negative for a second consecutive month in December.

Residex data continues to point to more slippage in Australian house prices, with the January reading down 0.7%.

Equity brokers have turned enthusiastic about PaperlinX given improved finances and options for the future.

Shareholders are already revolting but analysts see merit in Rio’s Chinalco deal.

Paladin shares have responded favourably to the group’s interim profit result last week, though broker opinion remains dividend.

The strength of Leighton’s interim surprised brokers but reading between the lines paints a different picture.

Australian employment has surprised most by booking a modest rise, but some think this is due more to faulty data than improving conditions.

National Bank’s monthly survey of business conditions and confidence support the bank’s forecast of a mild Aussie recession this year.