Daily FNArena News - Australia

National Australia Bank’s Monthly Business Survey for June showed Australian business confidence slumped during the month despite a slight pick-up in business conditions.

Bradken has acquired two businesses that brokers expect will boost earnings from FY12. Both Credit Suisse and Deutsche Bank have upgraded to Buy.

Just how serious an impost on the coal industry will the proposed carbon tax be?

There’s been much carry on lately about the rise of on-line shopping. Just how nervous should bricks and mortar retailers and their shareholders be?

While the macro environment remains difficult Queensland theme park operators are starting to lift prices, brokers seeing this as evidence of an easing in competitive pressures in the market.

The hawkish rhetoric continues to soften as the RBA makes the unsurprising decision to leave rates on hold.

Karoon Gas received approval to begin exploration drilling in the Browse Basin offering scope for share price upside according to brokers.

While recent share price weakness has improved the value on offer, Morgan Stanley suggests it remains too early to be a buyer of CSL.

Australian REIT stocks appear beneficiaries of a rotation into defensive holdings, while Westfield Retail has been upgraded and there are signs of improvement in the office market.

Assuming the Greek correction is now over, where does that leave valuations for Australian banks?