Daily FNArena News - Australia

Sonic’s latest US acquisition has brokers abuzz with anticipation.

Coal-to-oil trailblazer Linc Energy held a reception last night to announce its new association with leading Russian scientists. FNArena was invited.

A year without a major acquisition had increased concerns QBE Insurance was finding it harder to identify suitable targets, but the purchase of Praetorian has put those concerns to rest.

There is no apparent easing for demand in consumer electronics, and a move into New Zealand confirms JB Hi-Fi is in the box seat. Brokers have increased targets substantially.

Consumer confidence in Australia has recovered so strongly it is back above the level in October, prior to the November rate rise. Say that again?

Macquarie Bank sees a Democrat-controlled Congress as increasingly talking tough with respect to China, but the broker suggests relations will remain strong given common interests.

National Australia Bank’s November Business Survey shows conditions remain strong for Australian industry, though confidence levels remain low.

Markets don’t like uncertainty and Santos is an example, the potential for higher payments from the Indonesian mud slide disaster clouding the outlook for the stock.

A slight fall in housing finance figures for October met the market’s expectations and is unlikely to generate a reaction from the Reserve Bank of Australia.

CanWest has announced it will exit its majority stake in Ten, provided a buyer can be found for the company as a whole.