Data holds global stocks in narrow range
Before the Bell | Mixed US and European economic data weighed on global stocks, while the euro slipped ahead of a key European Central Bank meeting ■ Dow up 0.05pc ■ SPI futures up 4 pts ■ $A at US92.73¢.
Copper falls to three-week low on probe worries
Copper dropped to a three-week low in London on Wednesday, in its biggest one-day fall since mid- April, on jitters about the impact on financing deals from a probe at a Chinese port.
S&P 500 sets record intraday high as volatility rises
US stocks are higher in afternoon trade, with the S&P 500 hitting another intraday record high as investors brushed off weaker-than-expected labour market data.
German yields rise in edgy market before ECB
German bond yields rose to near two-week highs after strong US services sector data and amid nervousness in euro zone bonds before the European Central Bank's policy meeting on Thursday.
Will whatever it takes be enough for the ECB?
Everyone remembers Mario Draghi’s bold “whatever it takes” declaration. But his follow up line – “and believe me it will be enough” – was drowned out.
European shares flat as euro zone recovery slows
European shares held steady on Wednesday after data confirmed a slowdown in the euro zone's economic recovery in the first quarter, with investors awaiting central bank action.
Super funds to ‘look more like’ insurance firms
Australian superannuation funds will become more like insurance companies that offer health insurance and longevity products, according to Jeremy Cooper, as the $1.8 trillion retirement savings sector balloons.
Nomura upgrades China growth forecast
China’s growth could be on the way back up, amid signs the recent economic slowdown has troughed – at least for this year, according to Nomura.
Caution ahead of ECB meet sees ASX slide
Proof that Australia’s economy performed better than expected in the first quarter of 2014 was not enough to buoy the sharemarket as stocks sold off, with global investors cautious ahead of a key ECB meeting.
Asian markets set to benefit from ECB action
Highly anticipated new stimulus measures by the European Central Bank when it meets on Thursday could drive up riskier assets such as the Australian dollar and equities - if the ECB is bold enough.
Our addiction to cheap money must end
Maximilian Walsh | Australia managed to dodge the worst of the global financial crisis largely because we held tightly onto China’s coat tails.
Time to consider investing in gold
Because sentiment on gold is so negative now, some experts recommend buying the precious metal and putting it in “the bottom drawer”.
Currencies
| AUD | USD | EUR | JPY | GBP | |
| AUD |  |
0.9276 | 0.6821 | 95.23 | 0.5539 |
| USD | 1.0774 |  |
0.7353 | 102.69 | 0.5973 |
| EUR | 1.4656 | 1.3598 |  |
139.64 | 0.8123 |
| JPY | 0.0105 | 0.0097 | 0.0072 |  |
0.0058 |
| GBP | 1.8041 | 1.6738 | 1.2308 | 171.91 |  |
How much power does Draghi's ECB wield?
Mario Draghi is poised to announce further rate cuts and asset purchases soon - but how much clout does he have compared to a few years ago?
World Indices
| S&P;/ASX 200 | 5,444.8 | - 34.9 | - 0.64% |
| ALL ORDINARIES | 5,426.8 | - 33.7 | - 0.62% |
| S&P;/ASX 100 | 4,529.1 | - 28.2 | - 0.62% |
| SMALL ORDS | 2,140.2 | - 15.8 | - 0.73% |
| Dow Jones | 16,731.78 | + 9.44 | + 0.06% |
| S&P 500 INDEX | 1,927.47 | + 3.23 | + 0.17% |
| NASDAQ COMPOSITE | 4,250.20 | + 16.12 | + 0.38% |
| Wilshire 5000 | 20,391.94 | + 44.39 | + 0.22% |
| FTSE 100 | 6,818.63 | - 17.67 | - 0.26% |
| CAC 40 INDEX | 4,501.00 | - 2.69 | - 0.06% |
| SMI PR | 8,661.08 | - 0.12 | 0.00% |
| XETRA DAX PF | 9,926.67 | + 6.93 | + 0.07% |
| HANG SENG INDEX | 23,151.71 | - 139.33 | - 0.60% |
| - | % |
| NIKKEI 225 INDEX | 15,067.96 | + 33.71 | + 0.22% |
| SSE COMPOSITE/d | 2,024.83 | - 13.47 | - 0.66% |
Dimon defends fortress capital
Jamie Dimon from JPMorgan Chase, manages to still place great faith in regulators’ ability to manage the next financial crisis.
After the Great Recession, the Great Backlash
In the immediate aftermath of the 2008 global financial crisis, policymakers’ success in preventing the Great Recession from turning into Great Depression II held in check demands for protectionist and inward-looking measures.
Private equity is not different
Yasser El-Ansary | Any debate about how private equity firms operate, and the characteristics of their approach to investing in businesses should be based on facts.
Super funds more than ready to use superpowers
Australian superannuation funds are preparing to flex their collective $1.8 trillion financial muscle and play a more active role in the outcome of key corporate decisions.
We need to talk about our relationship with the US
Laura Tingle | With changing dynamics in east Asia, Australians need to carefully reflect on the nature of our close ties with the US.
Commando’s battle with activist fund Lone Star
Matthew Stevens | Having been trained in jungle warfare in preparation for life as a commando back in the mid-1990s, James Cruickshank would appear to be well suited for guerilla campaign foisted on his oil junior by US activist fund Lone Star.
US may maintain economic stimulus
Karen Maley | Will the US central bank be forced to “taper the taper”? That’s the prediction amid fears the US economic recovery could fail.
Taking stock
Tough times for Cochlear despite product reapproval
Investors are yet to be convinced that hearing implant maker Cochlear is past a patchy period that has been marked by a recall and loss of market share.
Analysts urge Australand to accept Stockland bid
Australand security holders are being urged to accept Stockland’s higher, all-scrip bid, which equates to $4.35 per security on a net asset value (NAV) basis.
Equity Markets
S&P 500 sets record intraday high as volatility rises
US stocks are higher in afternoon trade, with the S&P 500 hitting another intraday record high as investors brushed off weaker-than-expected labour market data.
European shares flat as euro zone recovery slows
European shares held steady on Wednesday after data confirmed a slowdown in the euro zone's economic recovery in the first quarter, with investors awaiting central bank action.
Debt Markets
Our addiction to cheap money must have an end
Australia managed to dodge the worst of the global financial crisis largely because we held tightly onto China’s coat tails.
Growth hits 3.5pc on export surge
Updated | The economy began 2014 at the fastest pace in two years, spurred by the strongest export surge in well over a decade that offset weak household sentiment and business investment.
Currency Markets
Our addiction to cheap money must have an end
Australia managed to dodge the worst of the global financial crisis largely because we held tightly onto China’s coat tails.
$A basks briefly in glow of strong GDP
The dollar jumped to within a whisker of US93¢ after better than expected economic growth numbers but the currency didn’t manage to hold onto the gains.
