Daily FNArena News

The Australian dollar this week hit a 25-year high against the US dollar but TD Securities sees further gains ahead, predicting parity and beyond by the end of the year.

Suncorp-Metway delivered a result broadly in line with expectations but Macquarie and Citi have downgraded to Hold from Buy given increased capital requirements and lower reserve releases.

BMW is threatening to slash it’s workforce. Airbus is struggling. Asia is trying to keep a lid on its currencies and the Russians are moving to trade commodities in the ruble. All because of the crashing greenback.

Capital expenditure figures for the third quarter came in well above market expectations and analysts suggest the numbers show the underlying strength of the Australian economy.

Energy Developments has again disappointed analysts, despite its obvious potential in a carbon reduced world.

Ausenco’s Lumwana project in Zambia is running behind schedule, says an anonymous tipster. Are troubles building for another Queensland company?

Tassal Group fell short of consensus forecasts but with solid earnings growth expected over the next few years and the stock cheap compared to valuations Buy ratings still dominate.

Weekly musings from your editor. Meet one of the original proponents of the Commodities Super Cycle. He is convinced the best has yet to come.

Oil again pushed through US$100 per barrel overnight but ANZ Bank suggests the market has it wrong and prices are headed to US$80 per barrel by the end of 2008.

Aristocrat Leisure delivered a solid earnings result but brokers continue to see the US and Japanese markets as the key and here views differ as to the outlook.