There was a surprise fall in retail turnover in the key Christmas shopping period, but official figures offer a glimmer of hope for department stores and fashion retailers.
Eyes on RBAThe Reserve Bank board holds its first meeting of the year tomorrow and bets are firming for another interest rate cut, but it remains a close call. (video) (audio)
Moving upA key inflation gauge shows there was a small rise in consumer prices in January, but the annual rate remained within the Reserve Bank's target range.
'Certain consequences'Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce says legislation proposed by the Independent Senator Nick Xenophon poses a threat to the company and Australian jobs.
Counting the cost
The high Australian dollar causes headaches for wine producers as they struggle to sell overseas.
Glencore reunion
Commodity trader Glencore wants to merge with Xstrata in a deal to create an $80 billion powerhouse.
Halal finance
A new index that meets Islamic investment rules is launched to tap into a $1 trillion global market.
'Ditch the surplus'
Economists urge more stimulus as the strong Australian dollar sees employers swing the axe.
Tough times
Official figures show business creation is slowing and more new ventures are going to the wall.
Recovery in sight?
House price falls appear to be slowing but analysts are split on whether the market has bottomed.
Playing it safe
The Future Fund has shifted its investments towards cash amid turmoil on financial markets.
Housing shortfall
By business reporter Michael Janda
NSW asks landowners to nominate sites for new homes but experts are wary about infrastructure.
Touch and go
Tech experts say consumers must be aware of the risks when using new payment technologies.
| ASX All Ordinaries | 4366.40 | +46.3 | 1.1% |
|---|---|---|---|
| S&P/ASX 200 | 4298.40 | +47.2 | 1.1% |
| S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary | 1240.00 | +12 | 1% |
| S&P/ASX 200 Energy | 13796.00 | +49 | 0.4% |
| S&P/ASX 200 Financials | 4056.10 | +46.5 | 1.2% |
| S&P/ASX 200 Health Care | 7822.80 | +32.7 | 0.4% |
| S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology | 503.10 | +6 | 1.2% |
| S&P/ASX 200 Materials | 11829.20 | +199.6 | 1.7% |
| S&P/ASX 200 Industrials | 3610.30 | +39.8 | 1.1% |
| S&P/ASX 200 CONSUMER STAPLES | 7236.80 | -7.3 | -0.1% |
| S&P/ASX 200 Telecommunication Services | 1159.80 | +17.8 | 1.6% |
| S&P/ASX 200 Utilities | 4582.20 | -14.1 | -0.3% |
1.07145
1.28915
0.81850
0.67910
82.14105
The Optus TV rights case is a major test being watched closely around the world.
Gina Rinehart is likely to find investing in Fairfax deeply frustrating.
Talk is cheap as business chiefs and billionaires gather for their Davos talkfest.
Retailers might blame online shopping for dismal sales but larger factors are at play.
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AEDT = Australian Eastern Daylight Savings Time which is 11 hours ahead of UTC (Greenwich Mean Time)
ABC Business News and Market Analysis
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