Daily FNArena News - Australia

If anything, it is the strong Aussie which prompted a mostly unexpected cut in the RBA cash rate to 2.75%.

The RBA today cut its cash rate by 25bps to 2.75%.

Karoon has discovered oil at the Bilby prospect, making it a successful number two out of three wells drilled in Brazil’s Santos Basin.

Brokers were largely relieved by the first half results, which provided more clarity on Orica’s growth path and signal potential for a re-rating.

Business information house Dun & Bradstreet predicts Australian businesses will continue to cut expenditures though the rest of 2013.

A wrap of the day’s activity on the Australian stock market.

Westpac’s special dividend was no great shock but a big lift in payout ratio from an investment bank sure is.

The A-REIT sector is being underpinned by low interest rates. The focus of brokers is on yield, earnings and portfolio location.

JB Hi-Fi buoyed the market with a sales upgrade but brokers are mindful of the challenges that lie ahead.

Weekly update on recommendation, target price, and earnings forecast changes.