Leucadia holds 8% of Fortescue and has opposed moves by the company to issue additional debt to raise funds, which brokers suggest has potential funding implications for the iron ore play.
Whether there is a US double dip or not, it's clear the growth outlook in the US and other major industrialised countries will remain fragile, constrained and volatile until the imbalances of high household gearing and public sector debt are worked off. However the AMP's chief strategist, Dr Shane Oliver still sees opportunities for investors.
Agricultural chemicals supplier Nufarm has advised the market debt levels will be higher than previously expected but brokers have taken the news in stride and upgraded the stock on valuation grounds.
How come the share prices of our local (and internationally facing) companies aren't higher is our economy is performing so strongly? And why is there this silly knee jerk reaction to every bit of poor or indifferent economic or corporate news from the US.