Latest Finance News



BHP production beats expectations

BHP Billiton is on track to lift its full year iron ore production after enjoying a better-than-expected result in the final three months of 2012.BHP beat analysts' expectations on Wednesday with iron..

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Australian stocks close flat

The Australian share market has closed flat as investors gave a muted response to the Bank of Japan's plan for a more expansionary two per cent inflation target. At 1615 AEDT on Tuesday, the benchm..

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Business investment at 15-year low:ACCI

Businesses' enthusiasm to invest has sunk to its lowest level in at least 15 years against the back drop of a high Australian dollar and soft growth in non-mining sectors of the economy. The Austra..

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Downer wins $90m NSW rail contract

Engineering firm Downer EDI has clinched a $90 million contract for a NSW rail infrastructure project aimed at removing bottlenecks on a major freight corridor. The NSW government contract will see..

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Ken Henry joins ASX board

Former Treasury secretary Ken Henry has been appointed to the board of the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). Dr Henry will join the ASX as a non-executive director on February 1, with sharehold..

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NAB shares fall after Santander denial

Shares in National Australia Bank have tumbled after Spanish giant Santander had denied it was interested in buying its troubled UK banks. Investors had pushed NAB shares up on Monday after London'..

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GUD first half profit falls 21%

Household appliances and cleaning products supplier GUD Holdings says it is in a strong financial position although most of the sectors in which it trades remain highly competitive. GUD on Tuesday ..

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Competition shades GUD’s Sunbeam

Household appliances and cleaning products supplier GUD Holdings has booked a 21 per cent fall in first half net profit and says its well-known Sunbeam appliances brand is feeling pressure from stiff ..

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Hills Holdings sells healthcare arm

Troubled manufacturer Hills Holdings is selling its healthcare equipment business. Hills is selling the Perth-based business for an undisclosed amount to K Care Pty Ltd, which is owned by a managem..

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WorleyParsons wins Iraq gas contract

Engineering firm WorleyParsons has won a three-year contract to provide support services at the new Basrah Gas Company (BGC) in Iraq. BGC, a joint venture between Shell, Mitsubishi and the state-ru..

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NAB could offload UK banks

National Australia Bank may be able to finally offload its troubled British banking division amid speculation that Spanish giant Santander is considering making a STG2 billion ($A3.04 billion) offer. ..

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QBE poised to cut jobs

Hundreds of jobs are under threat at global insurer QBE as it prepares to finalise a massive cost cutting plan. The insurance giant is reportedly considering axing 700 jobs from its Australian work..

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Sydney Airport sets passenger record

Australia's major airports experienced substantial growth in 2012, with a record number of passengers passing through Sydney Airport. Sydney Airport served a record 36.9 million passengers in 2012,..

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Australian shares close higher

The Australian market has closed higher propelled by climbing Rio Tinto shares after its chief Tom Albanese resigned in the wake of the miner's $US14 billion worth of write downs. At the close on F..

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Australian bond prices fall sharply

Australian bond futures prices have sold off sharply, reversing the rally that followed the release weaker domestic jobs figures on Thursday. At 1630 AEDT on Friday, the March 10-year bond futures ..

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Stocks to watch at close on Friday

Stocks to watch on the Australian stock exchange at the close of trade on Friday: PSH - PENRICE SODA HOLDINGS LTD - up two cents, or 16 per cent, at 14.5 cents Chemicals company Penrice is to st..

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