Daily FNArena News

If investors ever feel the urge to discount the importance of timing, a look at the graph published by Glushkin Sheff’s Dave Rosenberg should cure them.

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.

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

Prices seldom fall forever, not even for uranium.

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.

China wants to rein in its double-digit GDP growth to a more steady 8% and try to nip a property price bubble in the bud. Is this bad news for Australia?