Daily FNArena News

The latest Westpac-Melbourne Institute Leading Index of Economic Activity has come in well above its long-term trend, indicative of an economy in a period of sustained strong growth.

Shares in Murchison Metals have soared 25% today after Mitsubishi of Japan agreed to invest $3 billion in mining and infrastructure joint ventures with the company.

The price of petulance? Optus is the big winner in yesterday’s broadband announcement from the government but Telstra is still in the front line for the FTTN build.

Deutsche Bank has initiated coverage on Hastie Group with a Buy rating, suggesting the market is underestimating its earnings potential in coming years.

Today may not be the day for Rio to close over $100, but it will be BHP and nickel stocks that will cop the brunt.

Recent weakness in nickel prices reflects a growing view the market is heading from balance to a widening surplus, causing a number of analysts to lower their forecasts.

BIS Shrapnel has released its “Residential Property Prospects 2007 to 2010” report that suggests Brisbane will show the strongest pricing growth while WA prices will fall modestly.

The Silver Stock report argues Swiss gold sales will not impact the market while gold watcher James Turk calls a new technical low.

The CPI failed to frighten in the US on Friday as both the US and Australia look ahead to housing data this week.

Woolies proves once again that no market is beyond its grasp by joining forces with Quickflix to become the first major retailer in online movie rental in Australia.