Daily FNArena News - Australia

A Westpac-Melbourne Institute survey finds Australian consumers will not be lashing out this Christmas.

Australian labour market figures for Otober were stronger than the market had expected and suggest a further 0.25% hike in the cash rate is likely when the RBA meets next month.

Oz Consumers have turned a little less exuberant about prospects for employment and inflation, but nothing to worry about.

Wesfarmers AGM comments included confirmation its Curragh coal project would be expanded, which brokers see as modestly positive for earnings longer term.

Brokers are happy to hear the rivers are flowing again but at least one still sees only a creek.

Consumer confidence in Australia is becoming more sensitive towards further rate hikes, Westpac economists report.

NAB’s October Business Survey has made decision makers at the RBA a great deal more uncomfortable with the current low cash rate.

The thinking is sound and the time is right for AMP to take out AXA, analysts suggest, but the price will have to be higher.

NAB’s monthly Business Survey and Economic Outlook for October showed further gains in both business confidence and conditions, causing upward revisions to its growth forecasts.

Macquarie’s latest Taxi Tracker survey shows competition in the market is intensifying.