Daily FNArena News - Australia

ANZ’s latest survey into job ads in Australia showed an unexpected decline.

Last week Citi and Credit Suisse lifted forecasts for Macquarie Group. Today RBS Australia and BA Merrill Lynch have followed suit, both also upgrading to Buy ratings on the stock.

Paladin’s production and sales in the December quarter fell short of broker expectations and so earnings have been revised down, but some still see long-term value in the stock.

Australian inflation data for the December quarter came in slightly above market expectations, meaning an increase in interest rates next week appears all but assured.

With the current strength in the Leading Indicator growth rate just another positive factor for Australia, another rate hike must be looming.

Australia’s Q4 PPI surprised to the downside, but economists don’t think it will have any impact on RBA policy.

CommSec notes new data from Rismark Australia show Australian housing affordability has actually improved a little since 2003 thanks to rising incomes levels.

A Westpac-Melbourne Institite survey has showed Australians remain positive on the outlook for property prices, with 84% of those responding expecting prices to gain in 2010.

Valuation issues and different views on copper keep stockbroker opinions on OZ Minerals divided.

BHP Billiton’s quarterly production report was something of a mixed bag.