Financial Markets, Stocks & Commodities

Australian reports

• Aust markets: Retail sales jump fails to inject momentum
• Aust dollar report: $A boosted by strong economic data
• Aust credit close: Aust bond futures weak on US taper talk

World reports

• World commodities: Commodities markets summary
• World markets: International markets roundup

Stocks to watch

TWE, WBC, WHC,

Retail spending continues to improve

Retail spending growth has beaten economists' expectations, rising by 0.8 per cent in September to more than $22 billion.

Retail trade rose 0.8% in Sept

The Australian Bureau of Statistics has released retail trade data for September.

Aust house prices rise in Sept qtr

The Australian Bureau of Statistics has released house price data for the September quarter.

No spending boost yet: Harvey Norman

MELBOURNE, Nov 4 AAP 2:26PM The passing of the federal election in September has not encouraged consumers to spend more, says retailer Harvey Norman.

NSW power cost-cuts 'drive down bills'

SYDNEY, Nov 4 AAP 2:27PM Job cuts at three NSW electricity distributors have helped the providers exceed savings targets, which the state government says will benefit consumers.

Retail sales up, but may be $A effect

SYDNEY, Nov 4 AAP 1:21PM The hefty jump in retail sales in September is encouraging, but it comes bundled with some significant ifs and buts.