Daily FNArena News - Australia

The Westpac Consumer Sentiment Index rose again in March but can it withstand further rate rises?

The ANZ Job Ads series for February showed gains in both newspaper and internet ads, more than reversing the fall recorded in January.

The NAB Monthly Business Survey and Economic Outlook for February showed gains in both business confidence and conditions, though the bank’s growth forecasts remain unchanged.

Higher disposable incomes in Australia in 2009 were not matched by consumer spending levels, leading CommSec to suggest consumers are still somewhat cautious.

Sales growth will be a key point of interest in Myer’s upcoming half-yearly report.

Standard and Poor’s has announced changes to the composition of its Australian indices and Myer is seen as a likely winner.

Q4 GDP growth for Australia came out at 0.9%, plus the Q3 growth figure had been revised upwards.

Minc Stockbroking’s Doug Grant suggests why traders should be shorting James Hardie despite its recent fall.

DJ Carmichael has initiated coverage on China Steel and Wildhorse Energy, seeing value in both juniors at current price levels.

The RBA had indicated in its previous minutes that data would inform the next decision, and that has been the case in today’s 25 point cash rate hike.