Daily FNArena News

Australian consumers are more pessimistic than Westpac economists when it comes to inflation and unemployment.

After rises in November and December, consumer sentiment has again turned lower now that the fiscal stimulus has been spent.

Uranium prices eased this week, but developments in India paint a brighter picture for emerging demand.

Rumours are circulating Parmalat may be eyeing up Goodman Fielder’s underperforming dairy division.

Russell Investment Management offers some key themes for investors to consider for 2009.

Westpac economists believe there’s scope for a negative official inflation outcome in the December quarter.

Citi analysts argue consensus earnings expectations for Computershare are potentially too high at present.

Weekly musings by your editor. Investing in the share market remains a case of “timing” versus “risks”. (Re-published to make it available to non-paying members.)

The December survey into consumer prices by TD Waterhouse and Melbourne Institute suggests disinflation remains the trend in Australia.

According to Barclays Capital, worsening economic fundamentals and increasing supply suggest little scope for shorter-term gains in commodity prices.