Newspaper icon
The latest issue of Financial Standard now available as an e-newspaper
READ NOW

Economics

Bank fees jump three-times inflation

ALEX DUNNIN  |  FRIDAY, 16 MAY 2008
Total bank fees by Australians experienced their biggest jump in four years and reflect the more dynamic way we use banks rather than fees themselves actually increasing, argues the Reserve Bank.

Market Wrap - Morning

AAP  |  FRIDAY, 16 MAY 2008
The Australian market has received positive leads all around this morning, with Wall Street up markedly, base metal prices in London also very robust, and the futures index in Sydney also points the market higher.

Market Wrap - Midday

AAP  |  THURSDAY, 15 MAY 2008
The Australian share market was marginally higher at noon after a uninspired opening due to weaker base metals prices in London.

House prices 30 pct overvalued

ALEX DUNNIN  |  THURSDAY, 15 MAY 2008
Housing values in Australia are 32 per cent above their long term valuation trend line leading to speculation that softening market conditions could trigger a correction.

Market Wrap - Morning

AAP  |  THURSDAY, 15 MAY 2008
The Australian market has received mixed leads from overseas overnight, with Wall Street up but base metals down in London.

Market Wrap - Midday

AAP  |  WEDNESDAY, 14 MAY 2008
The Australian share market inched back into the black after opening lower, as the heavyweight resources stocks jumped apparently on comments by BHP Billiton's head that the miner may be prepared to include a cash component in its bid for rival Rio Tinto.

Wayne the nation builder

ALEX DUNNIN  |  WEDNESDAY, 14 MAY 2008
Treasurer Wayne Swan has donned his hardhat and launched Australia on a massive $40 billion nation building program centred on three new investment funds designed to fix infrastructure, health and education while also kick starting Australia's regional ...

Market Wrap - Morning

AAP  |  WEDNESDAY, 14 MAY 2008
The Australian share market has received mixed lead from Wall Street, with the Dow Jones index down 0.34 per cent, the blue chip S&P500 index barely changed and the Nasdaq technical index up slightly. But resources stocks may receive a boost from strong ...

Market Wrap - Midday

AAP  |  TUESDAY, 13 MAY 2008
The Australian share market had rebounded slightly at noon after opening in the red today while the market digested the terms of the proposed Westpac and St George Bank merger.

Climate change good for agriculture

ALEX DUNNIN  |  TUESDAY, 13 MAY 2008
Australia's reputation as the lucky country could even extend into climate change with the Farm Institute saying it will lead to Australia boosting its agricultural output and becoming wealthier.