Daily FNArena News - Australia

National Australia Bank’s latest survey of business confidence levels shows confidence increasing across the board but strongest among SMEs.

BIS Shrapnel has released its latest analysis of the Australian housing market, predicting new dwelling commencements are unlikely to increase before 2008/09 despite stronger underlying demand.

Intersuisse rates St Barbara Mines as a Buy as the company appears poised to significantly lift its gold production in coming years.

In a move that will surprise few, Paladin has countered the Areva deal with Summit Resources.

Australia’s labour market remains tight, vindicating the RBA’s tightening bias.

Areva’s deal with Summit Resources has sent the local uranium market into a flurry once more.

The latest housing data in Australia suggests investors are returning to the property market, but the numbers shouldn’t pressure the RBA to lift rates.

Clean energy fund Viridis has increased its potential thanks to global banks warming to the renewable energy market.

Macquarie Communications has expanded in the UK market via the purchase of National Wireless Grid, but the deal appears fully priced.

Macquarie Bank has plans to build its own online retail financial service provider and go head to head with E*trade Australia and CommSec, according to our source.