Iron Ore

Fed talk, weak Chinese data and a big sell-off in Japan have all made for a wild 24 hours on stock markets. Dow down 12. (Accessible only for subscribers before 10:15 AEST)

Recently expanded mines risk impairments, a rising US dollar is pressuring metals prices while copper fundamentals may actually be improving.

Wall Street was confused last night by Bernanke’s comments and the Fed minutes, but it appears a big sell order hit the market regardless. Dow down 80. (Accessible only for subscribers before 10:15 AEST)

The Fed doves were again vocal last night, confirming QE can just as easily be increased as decreased in the near term. Dow up 52. (Accessible only for subscribers before 10:15 AEST)

This week’s Fed comments have begun from the dovish side of the aisle, sending the US dollar down and forcing a short-covering scramble in gold. Dow down 19. (Accessible only for subscribers before 10:15 AEST)

Luxury brand stores and competitive foreign labels are challenging Australia’s retailers, while construction activity falls and coal exports look set to rise in the June quarter.

Wrap of events affecting the market on Friday night and the weekend and a preview of the week ahead.

After an upbeat end to 2012, funding for miners and explorers has all but dried up.

A strong read on Japan’s GDP was nervously welcomed, while more weak US data rolled out amidst endless QE exit talk. (Accessible only for subscribers before 10:15 AEST)

The Chartist suggests Rio Tinto is likely to fall further before a buying opportunity arises.