US stocks hit record high
Durable goods, new home sales lift US bourses.
CPA rejects GPT takeover bid
Property group unanimously recommends its shareholders reject the cash and scrip takeover offer in favour of Dexus bid.
Aust stocks close higher
Local market extends gains in shortened Christmas eve trading day.
Xmas spend tipped best since GFC
Retail group flags $30bn overall spend in four weeks leading up to Christmas.
•Retailers eye $15b in holiday sales
Saputo lifts Warrnambool stake
Suitor's stake now trumps Murray Goulburn's, subject to withdrawal rights.
Govt seeks BHP Olympic Dam revival
Ministers in talks with miner on ways to assist, could plug Holden gap: report.
Rio Tinto reconsidering stake in Alaskan mine
Alaskan govt, community pressure group over proposed copper and gold mine.
Shell mulls sale of $7bn Woodside stake
Asset on chopping block as global oil giant eyes $US30bn sell-off: report.
PaperlinX to axe German, UK jobs
Group flags further cost-cutting measures, reiterates positive profit guidance.
Japan drops 'deflation' from report
1st time in 4 yrs ommited from economic report, analysts say to soon to call end.
NAB enters undertaking with ASIC
Follows inquiry into share price spike, potential contractor misconduct.
UBS hit by Aust interest rate rigging
ASIC files enforceable undertaking following independent inquiry.
The Spectators
A QE flipside for gold's lost lustre
With US Fed stimulus measures continuing for a while, producers are unlikely to get respite from gold's price plunge soon – unless QE-inflated asset bubbles eventually burst.
Bringing homeowners the bacon
A little-known start-up that allows investors to acquire stakes in property could not only revolutionise the way Australians invest but free up much-needed wealth for homeowners and their families.
Where Freelancer led, others may follow
The resounding success of Freelancer’s debut as a listed entity has other players looking around for suitable tech assets to bring to market.
Slower growth could be the new normal
Australia's growth prospects look set to turn worse in 2014 and with an ageing population, deep budget cuts and a decline in mining investment it may be quite a while before it gets better.
The Big Four get a small taste of things to come
While APRA's capital requirements are conservative by global standards, a good look at the effects of increased regulation around the world may help mitigate unintended consequences.