Daily FNArena News

Australian employment has surprised most by booking a modest rise, but some think this is due more to faulty data than improving conditions.

National Bank’s monthly survey of business conditions and confidence support the bank’s forecast of a mild Aussie recession this year.

UK Newspaper The Times reports BHP Billiton has plans of its own when it comes to Rio Tinto assets.

Today’s read on Australian housing finance has provided some good news for the economy.

Despite a poor Wall Street reaction, TARP II may not be nearly as disappointing as it first appears.

Barclays Capital notes it has been growing demand for power that has driven growth in the natural gas market in recent years. Despite current weakness this trend should continue.

Today’s consumer confidence read has the index sitting at its lowest level since the last recession.

Recent data out of China suggest improving demand in the steel sector but Barclays and steel industry consultant MEPS suggest it remains too early to be optimistic on prices.

The fall in business confidence and conditions reported in the NAB survey lead economist to suggest the Reserve Bank of Australia will have to continue easing policy to support the Aussie economy.

As the latest US stimulus package is passed in the Senate, hyperinflation lurks as a catastrophic consequence.