Macy’s back on bidding block
According to US media reports, Arkhouse Management and Brigade Capital have recently submitted a proposal to acquire the chain for $21 per share, compared to Friday's closing price of $17.39.
Read MoreEconomics
US payroll jobs data soft, 2.5% inflation mandate with risks, Consumer under pressure
Dr Shane Oliver, Head of Investment Strategy & Chief Economist at AMP, discusses developments in investment markets over the past week, economic activity trackers, major global economic events and Australian economic events.
Read MoreDeflation tightens grip on China’s economy
Deepening deflation has tightened its grip on the entire Chinese economy, underscoring the urgency behind the Chinese Communist Party and President Xi Jinping's recent emphasis on increasing government "fiscal stimulus."
Read MoreWall Street faces nervy week with dual sentiment test
It's going to be a nervy half-week ahead for Wall Street, with a rare twin sentiment tester to contend with: a monthly consumer inflation report and then a Fed meeting, complete with new forecasts.
Read MoreCommodity market update: Iron ore surges, thermal coal gains momentum
While gold slid, and oil again notched up a losing week, iron ore continued its charge higher, and thermal coal prices had their strongest week in months – both of which should be good news for Australian resource companies.
Read MoreGold predictions for 2024
Last Monday, despite reaching all-time highs in Asian markets, gold prices finished the week down more than 3.3%, closing at approximately $2,004 an ounce for the Comex front month and $2,020 for the continuous contract close.
Read MoreWeekly market wrap: December 4th to December 7th
In a week filled with notable developments and market fluctuations, the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) and global financial markets experienced significant shifts driven by various overarching themes. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of the key events and their impact on different sectors and stocks during the period from Monday, December 4th, to Thursday, December 7th.
Read MoreElectric vehicle bubble deflates as valuations plunge – what’s next for the EV industry?
The electric vehicle (EV) industry, once riding high on optimism and sky-high valuations, has hit a roadblock as investors and car manufacturers reevaluate their strategies amidst a slowdown in growth. Factors ranging from rising interest rates to evolving EV technology and consumer preferences are being cited as reasons behind the shift in momentum.
Read MoreChina’s weak trade figures raise economic concerns
China's latest set of weak trade figures on Thursday has heightened concerns about the strength of economic activity and the potential for further slowdown in 2024. However, iron ore prices have reached their highest level in Singapore in over a year, nearing $US134 per tonne (or more than $A200 per tonne). New data reveals a surge in iron ore imports into China, heading towards a new annual high with one month remaining.
Read MoreGlobal oil prices fall for sixth consecutive session
Global oil prices fell for a sixth straight session on Thursday, with the declines amounting to just a few cents. Some traders now believe that the selling pressure has subsided.
Read MoreChina’s November trade report reveals economic struggles
A weak trade report for November, especially concerning imports, confirms the ongoing challenges in the country's economy almost a year after hopes of a post-Covid economic boost.
Read MoreGovernment spending and defense support amid slower Australian growth
Increased government spending on energy and childcare rebates, investment, and defense spending kept the Australian economy afloat in the three months to September, even though economic growth slowed to less than walking pace, growing at just 0.2%.
Read MoreChemist Warehouse to take over Sigma Healthcare in backdoor listing
Sigma Healthcare is expected to announce a major transaction today, which will result in a backdoor listing by the privately-owned pharmacy giant, Chemist Warehouse, on the Australian stock exchange.
Read MoreWeight loss corporates, new car prices and Black Friday sales
Fund Manager Chris Pedersen discusses BlueScope Steel (ASX:BLS), Collins Foods (ASX:CKF), and Johnson & Johnson (ASX:JNJ).
Read MoreRio Tinto sets $6.2 billion price for Simandou iron ore deposit in Guinea
Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO) has placed a $6.2 billion price tag on its share of developing the Simandou iron ore deposit in the African country of Guinea.
Read MoreApple’s market value surpasses $3 trillion mark
Apple's market value surged past $3 trillion for the first time in four months on Tuesday as Apple shares gained 2% to reach $193.42. Despite reducing its shares through buybacks, the tech giant has seen its stock price rise by over 52% this year, showcasing its resilience.
Read MoreMoody’s downgrades China’s sovereign credit outlook to negative
Moody’s Investors Service has downgraded its outlook on China’s sovereign credit rating to negative.
Read MoreAustralian Q3 GDP forecast faces weakening as current account deficit rises
The chances of today's Australian third-quarter GDP coming in weaker than forecast rose on Tuesday, with the country seeing a near $8 billion plunge in its current account deficit, reaching a deficit of $158 million.
Read MoreWorried Russia watches as global oil prices slide further
Global oil prices continued to decline on Tuesday, causing more concern for Russia. US crude prices reached their lowest levels since mid-year, hovering at around $72.57 a barrel at 7 am Wednesday, Sydney time, while Brent was trading at approximately $77.40.
Read More
RBA leaves cash rate at 4.35%
The Reserve Bank of Australia has announced its decision to keep the cash rate unchanged at 4.35 per cent in its final policy meeting for the year.
Read MoreMoody’s warns of negative outlook for global banking in 2024
One forecast that drew attention this week came from Moody’s, which issued a cautionary outlook for the health of the global banking sector in the upcoming year.
Read MoreGold faces investor gravity: What goes up must come down
The precious metal's prices plummeted from record highs during Monday's global session in Asia, driven by a stronger dollar and increased US treasury yields as the day progressed.
Read MoreGold soars past $2,100 in Asian trading
Gold soared past $2,100 in Asian dealings on Monday, setting a new high for the third consecutive day.
Read MoreEcopro inks $33.5bn deal with Samsung
On the opening day of the Munich Motor Show (IAA) in Munich, Germany, Ecopro BM Co. announced a groundbreaking deal with Samsung SDI Co. that could reshape the electric vehicle (EV) market.
Read MoreUS regulations cast uncertainty over Australia’s lithium sector
Recent regulations issued by the US Department of Energy are set to have significant implications for Australia's lithium sector.
Read MoreLithium miners worry as China’s EV market stagnates
Worrying signs are emerging for Australian lithium miners and processors. Industry leader BYD has reported no growth in sales for battery-powered vehicles since October.
Read MoreTower announces ownership structure review
In a surprising announcement, New Zealand-based insurer Tower has declared a strategic review of its ownership structure.
Read MoreGold hits record high amid dollar and yield decline
Gold reached a record high on Friday as the dollar and Treasury yields fell following weak US economic data. Investors seemingly disregarded Fed Chair Jay Powell's warning of potential rate hikes if inflation strengthens once more.
Read MoreOPEC+ meeting fallout: Oil prices decline despite production cuts
Last week, OPEC+ convened but witnessed oil prices falling, despite claims of production cuts made during Thursday's meeting.
Read MoreUpcoming key events for the Australian economy
Another significant week awaits the Australian economy with the last Reserve Bank (RBA) board meeting of the year tomorrow and the release of September quarter national accounts and GDP figures on Wednesday.
Read MoreBusy week ahead with key market drivers
There are several significant market drivers both locally and internationally this week. In addition to Australia's release of monthly and quarterly data, including an RBA meeting, investors must consider the US stock market surge, the health of the US economy, and its impact on interest rates and falling bond yields.
Read MoreProperty market update: National home prices hit record high, but signs of slowdown emerge
Dr Shane Oliver, Head of Investment Strategy & Chief Economist at AMP, discusses Australian home price growth slowing further as high rates start to dominate again – we now expect a "double dip" with renewed price falls next year.
Read MoreMarket insights: Shares surge amid inflation optimism; RBA holds firm with hawkish stance
Dr Shane Oliver, Head of Investment Strategy & Chief Economist at AMP, discusses weekly economic & market update – shares overbought but with more upside; more good news on inflation and rates; Aust inflation could be 3 point something by Dec; expect the RBA to hold but remain hawkish.
Read MoreWinston’s Weekly: ISPT loses $260m, REITS trading at material discount to NTA
Winston Sammut, the Director Property of Euree Asset Management, gives his weekly take on the REITs sector.
Read MoreChina’s economy slows further in November
China's official activity survey for November indicates a continued slowdown in its economy. Manufacturing contracted for a second consecutive month, while non-manufacturing activity reached a new yearly low.
Read MoreInflation falls on both sides of Atlantic, impact differs
In Europe, the advance data on inflation showed a slide to an annual rate of 2.4% from 2.9% in October, while in the US, so-called PCE inflation is still falling to 3% in October, from 3.6% in September.
Read MoreOil falls, OPEC+ disagrees on production levels
Global oil prices plummeted after the OPEC+ group failed to reach a consensus on production levels for some members.
Read MoreWarren Buffett further invests in fossil fuels
One of Warren Buffett’s key energy plays is taking the famed investor deeper into fossil fuels, if US media reports are any guide.
Read MoreWhat does “higher for longer” mean for real estate?
It seems most market participants are now expecting and pricing an interest rate environment that is ‘"higher for longer". If this is the case, what will it mean for real estate?
Read More
