Daily FNArena News - Australia

Expansion plans in Macau are good news for machine supplier Aristocrat Leisure, Deutsche Bank suggesting upside to earnings of 3-4% annually through to FY09.

Australians are beginning to shop less, so while you can lock in a November rise, it might be the last rate hike for a while.

Austock Securities has initiated coverage on Viridis Clean Energy with a Buy rating, attracted to the strong dividend yield and management’s strategy of targeting operating assets.

Downer EDI is believed to be circling around UK-listed Amec, our sources in London inform us.

Merrill Lynch has revised its interest rate outlook for the US, expecting the rate cut cycle to last longer and go further than the market is currently pricing in.

At least two economic teams have analysed the recent poor US GDP growth numbers and decided the result is actually more positive than negative.

National Australia Bank’s September Retail Report shows a slight improvement in conditions generally, but inconsistent numbers across different industries and regions.

ABN Amro has become the latest broker to upgrade its uranium price forecast, prompting a significant target price increase.

Brokers are unanimous that Cemex, or anyone else, will need to pay more than $17.00 to secure Rinker.

The US hurricane season has been declared over as El Nino moves in to quell fears of any late-season storms. QBE stands to benefit on two counts.