Daily FNArena News

A report commissioned by Fortis Bank suggests that while gold supply will be lower in 2007, demand will be lower still.

Professor Nouriel Roubini maintains a firm conviction the market might be too optimistic in its current approach to US economic developments. He sees a strong similarity with 2000-01. Back then reality proved the market wrong. Is history about to repeat?

The US hurricane season has been declared over as El Nino moves in to quell fears of any late-season storms. QBE stands to benefit on two counts.

Lehman Brothers has cut its forecasts for Chinese growth next year, expecting a fall in exports to limit the increase in GDP to something below 10%.

Southern Cross Equities suggests recent heavy trading in ResMed indicates the market sees possible upside earnings surprise from the upcoming September quarter results.

Austock Securities has retained its Buy rating on Warrnambool Cheese and Butter as while earnings could halve this year given the drought, there is upside when weather conditions return to normal.

Brokers have reacted to a better than expected profit result from ANZ by lifting earnings forecasts, though consensus suggests there is limited upside from current levels.

ERA has extended the forecast life of its Ranger uranium mine by six years, just at the right time.

The RBNZ has held official interest rates steady as inflation pressures are easing, though any cut to rates is still seen as some way off.

HSBC has come away from meetings with government officials and analysts with the view the political and economic situation in Thailand is relatively stable leading into next year’s election.