Daily FNArena News

GUD Holdings beat market expectations with its profit result to kick off what will be an important Australian earnings reporting season.

National Australia Bank’s monthly survey of business conditions showed continued strength in December but there are increasing signs the peak has passed.

Both Wesfarmers and Macarthur Coal have declared force majeure as a result of flooding at their operations but brokers point out the reduced export volumes should support coal prices during contract negotiations.

Just how much will this week’s Fed rate decision be affected by its belated knowledge of the SocGen debacle?

Barclays Capital suggests rather than reducing exposure to commodities when volatility increases it should be retained as there is little link between equity market and commodity price returns.

China’s growth is tipped to slow this year but according to DBS Group this will make for more sustainable growth longer-term, making it a relatively safe haven in the current uncertainty.

It was shades of 1995 and infamous rogue trader Nick Leeson when SocGen announced US$7.2bn in trading losses last night of which management had been blissfully unaware.

Morgan Stanley’s recent Macrovision Symposium concluded the US is already in recession and while emerging markets are likely to de-couple the same can’t be said for developed markets.

While Kagara Zinc’s production for the quarter met expectations lower metal prices are impacting on earnings, but this is disguising the company’s prospects according to ABN Amro.

The Dow bounced last night on news of a possible rescue for US monoline insurers. What’s that all about?