Investors drive strongest growth in home values in four years
The housing market ended the year up 9.8 per cent with a median dwelling price of $540,000, led by the super-hot Sydney market, according to full-year figures from RP Data-Rismark.
Greenback gains v euro as investors eye US data
The US dollar rose against the euro as an array of American economic data further supported the stance for the Federal Reserve to gradually scale back its bond-buying stimulus.
Wall St kicks off New Year on lower note
US stocks are lower in morning trade after the S&P 500 wrapped up its best year since 1997, despite economic data pointing to continued growth in the economy.
China PMI data keeps $A move minimal
The Australian dollar is slightly lower after a drop in Chinese manufacturing activity, while in Australia activity in the beleaguered manufacturing sector slumped further in December, according to a private survey.
ASX higher with positive housing data
Updated | The Australian share market is trading higher as investors approach the first session of 2014 with optimism as data showed the housing market ended the year up 9.8 per cent.
Coalition stands by jobs promise as manufacturing shrinks
Updated | The Abbott government is standing by its commitment to create one million new jobs after the federal opposition claimed the target would be missed.
Fund managers tip more modest year for shares
Leading fund managers expect the local equity market will continue to climb in the year ahead, albeit it at a slower pace as investors look for evidence that company earnings growth is improving.
Steve Cohen tries to sell NY condo for $US98m
The hedge fund billionaire and trader Steven Cohen has bought and sold stocks and bonds, modern art and sprawling real estate; now he’s trying to unload his Manhattan condo for $US98 million.
Four biotechnology stocks to watch in 2014
Whether it’s an impending decision by a regulator or the release of much-awaited clinical data, the following four biotechnology companies have some milestones due in the coming 12 months.
China factory activity expands at 3-month slow pace
Updated | China’s factory activity expanded at the slowest pace in three months in December, weighed down by shrinking export orders, a private survey showed on Thursday.
Yellen’s low short-term rates mean risks ahead
Incoming US central bank boss Janet Yellen faces her toughest challenge this year as she tries to reassure nervous investors the removal of monetary stimulus will not force US bond yields to move sharply higher.
Currencies
| AUD | USD | EUR | JPY | GBP | |
| AUD |  |
0.8919 | 0.6524 | 93.52 | 0.5424 |
| USD | 1.1199 |  |
0.7314 | 104.86 | 0.6083 |
| EUR | 1.5309 | 1.3669 |  |
143.33 | 0.8313 |
| JPY | 0.0107 | 0.0095 | 0.0070 |  |
0.0058 |
| GBP | 1.8413 | 1.6441 | 1.2025 | 172.4 |  |
World Indices
| S&P;/ASX 200 | 5,367.9 | + 15.7 | + 0.29% |
| ALL ORDINARIES | 5,369.8 | + 16.7 | + 0.31% |
| S&P;/ASX 100 | 4,457.1 | + 11.9 | + 0.27% |
| SMALL ORDS | 2,209.2 | + 15.6 | + 0.71% |
| Dow Jones | 16,449.76 | - 126.90 | - 0.77% |
| S&P 500 INDEX | 1,832.73 | - 15.63 | - 0.85% |
| NASDAQ COMPOSITE | 4,137.40 | - 39.19 | - 0.94% |
| Wilshire 5000 | 19,706.03 | 0.00 | 0.00% |
| FTSE 100 | 6,717.91 | - 31.18 | - 0.46% |
| CAC 40 INDEX | 4,227.28 | - 68.67 | - 1.60% |
| SMI PR | 8,202.98 | - 18.92 | - 0.23% |
| XETRA DAX PF | 9,400.04 | - 152.12 | - 1.59% |
| HANG SENG INDEX | 23,340.05 | + 33.66 | + 0.14% |
| - | % |
| NIKKEI 225 INDEX | 16,291.31 | + 112.37 | + 0.69% |
| SSE COMPOSITE/d | 2,109.39 | - 6.59 | - 0.31% |
2014 share market preview
Equity Trustees chief investment officer George Boubouras expects US dollar sensitive stocks to drive Australia’s earnings recovery in 2014.
Yellen’s low short-term rates mean risks ahead
Incoming US central bank boss Janet Yellen faces her toughest challenge this year as she tries to reassure nervous investors the removal of monetary stimulus will not force US bond yields to move sharply higher.
Fears for China as debt levels escalate
The latest tally of Chinese local debt, while unlikely to dampen the mood of investors toasting a stellar performance by global equity markets, does reveal an insidious threat to the world’s second-largest economy.
Don’t fret about soaring asset prices
Back in 2006 and 2007, commentators warned of the rise in stock prices and risky lending. Should we be worried again?
Are social media stocks losing their mojo?
The slump in Twitter‘s share price by 13 per cent to $US63.75 in trading on Friday has now prompted investors to ask whether social media stocks are losing their mojo.
FBI holds huge Bitcoin stash
With bitcoins trading at just over $US800 on the popular Mt. Gox exchange, the value of the FBI’s stash stands at more than $US140 million.
China, not the euro, is world’s major uncertainty
George Soros | Political problems, especially in the euro zone and the UN Security Council, cloud the reinvigoration of the world’s economy.
Job market looks up for out-of-work execs
Executives who found themselves jobless in 2013 can breathe a little easier, with experts tipping an improvement in employment prospects in 2014 – particularly for those in the finance sector.
China confident it aced local debt audit
If the Chinese government is embarrassed about its debt burden, it is doing a good job of hiding its blushes.
