Daily FNArena News - Australia

The National Australia Bank Quarterly Business Survey showed gains in both business conditions and confidence levels in Q4 last year.

Leading indicators by Westpac-MI suggest the Australian economy will soon be back in booming conditions a la 2007.

Some stockbroker’s argue investors should forget about Crane Group’s short term earnings outlook and focus on FY12 instead. But not everyone’s buying it.

The NAB Monthly Business Survey and Economic Outlook showed Australian business confidence rose in January but business conditions weakened.

Leighton Holdings beat market estimate with its interim result but the lack of any upgrade to full year guidance and a soft work-in-hand result sees value becoming a question mark.

Australian labour force data surprised on the upside for the fifth consecutive month, adding weight to the view the RBA will lift rates in March.

Minc Stockbroking advisor Doug Grant shares his thoughts on the game currently being played out in Australia’s wealth management industry.

The latest Westpac-Melbourne Institute Consumer Sentiment survey shows further rate hikes are expected, but consumers seem prepared.

Underlying earnings for 2009 were a little below expectations but with the market now looking to 2010, brokers continue to see value in Alumina at current levels.

Despite the RBA surprising the market by leaving interest rates unchanged earlier this month Australian consumer sentiment fell slightly in February.