Daily FNArena News - Australia

Speculation is rising again that Newcrest will look to take out Lihir. Meanwhile James Hardie defends its building products and the supermarket battle heats up.

The RBA minutes suggest rate rises ahead but not necessarily every month.

David Jones reports interim earnings on Wednesday and brokers see margins as a point of focus as the company continues to work on lowering costs.

Will banks be releasing unneeded provisions into profits shortly? How’s the housing market looking? And has the media sector really rebounded?

An improving iron ore price outlook is seen as especially good news for pellet producer Grange Resources.

Austock Securities has downgraded Map Group on valuation grounds following changes to the analyst’s model.

Not everyone is convinced the future looks bright for retailer Myer.

After five months of upside surprises Australian labour force data for February were essentially flat, a result seen as unlikely to pressure the RBA on the timing of further rate hikes.

In a result below market expectations Australian housing finance approvals in January were down 7.9% as higher interest rates impacted on first home buyers in particular.

Local GDP forecasts increase on bulk commodity prices, while range-trading and stock-picking look to be the story for 2010 in a more conservative corporate environment.