Daily FNArena News

A promise from China’s Premier Wen Jiabao to maintain 8% GDP growth was well received, but a lack of detail meant the benefit was fleeting.

A few home truths.

Further policy measures are expected in Australia but brokers see growth risks remaining to the downside in coming months.

While the RBA surprised by not cutting, few were taken aback, with the FNArena Snap Shot consensus still calling for an official cash rate of 2.3% by some time this year.

Lihir has joined the ranks of companies raising capital and brokers are broadly positive on the move.

Australian GDP for the December quarter contracted by 0.5%, potentially prompting further stimulus measures in coming months.

January data showed an improvement on some Asian economic indicators but according to ANZ Bank it remains too early to call a recovery.

Westpac economist Bill Evans has been talking to Americans about both our markets.

The RBA left the cash rate unchanged at 3.25% as the Australian economy holds its own against the world.

Bolstered by some surprising economic data released today, the RBA has made good on its “wait and see” approach and left rates unchanged.