Foreign Exchange Markets

Global equities slump on rising bets of Greek exit

24 May 2012 | Brendon Lau

Before the Bell | Equities are slumping, with the Dow falling to its lowest in 2012, as speculation rises that Greece’s exit from the euro is fast approaching ■ FTSE falls 2.5pc ■ Dow off 1.4pc ■ SPI futures down 18 pts ■ $A at 97.16 US cents.

Nothing is likely to save the day for shares

24 May 2012 | Philip Baker

PRINT: 24 May 2012 | PAGE 4 | Nothing is likely to save the day

Looks like the sharemarket is poised to complete a hat trick. About this time in 2010 shares fell 15 per cent and in 2011 it was 20 per cent. So far this month the major index is down more than 8 per cent from its high.

$A takes a hit for the good of the nation

24 May 2012 | Jacob Greber

PRINT: 24 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | $A taking one for the nation

At last the Australia dollar is doing what it does best. Taking a hit for the good of the nation.

Euro nears 21-mth low, $A falls on Greek worries

23 May 2012 |

The euro edged ever closer to a 21-month low on Wednesday while the safe haven US dollar reached a 20-month peak against a basket of currencies on fears of a messy Greek exit from the euro zone.

Europe worries hit $A, Asian markets

23 May 2012 | Peter Wells

Mid-morning update and it’s all in the red. Australian dollar continues to drop, shares down more than 1 per cent with all sectors in negative territory, Asia also lower.

Euro tumbles on Greek exit fears

23 May 2012 |

The euro slumped 1 per cent against the US dollar on Tuesday, ahead of an informal meeting of European leaders, on growing fears of a Greek exit from the euro zone.

China sees ‘impediments’ to investing in Europe

23 May 2012 |

China faces “invisible impediments” to investing in some parts of Europe, with Europeans nervous about allowing it to move into some sectors, a senior official at China’s sovereign wealth fund said

$A falls as euro-zone hopes fade

23 May 2012 |

The Australian dollar has fallen one US cent as hopes of progress on a resolution to the euro-zone debt crisis fade ahead of a meeting of EU leaders on Wednesday night.

Hollande on collision course with Merkel over bonds

23 May 2012 |

Germany has dismissed a French-led call for EU governments to issue common bonds, a day before a summit which investors are looking to for new measures to counter the bloc’s debt crisis.

$A drops a cent as Wall Street pares gains

23 May 2012 | Brendon Lau

Before the Bell | The $A has fallen more than a cent overnight, to below 98 US cents, and US stocks gave back gains of almost 1pc to close flat despite a surge on European markets ■ SPI down 19pts.

Rate cut tips get ‘too extreme’

23 May 2012 | Joanna Heath

PRINT: 23 May 2012 | PAGE 4 | Rate cut tips get ‘too extreme’

Market predictions of further monetary easing measures from the Reserve Bank of Australia have become too extreme, strategists say, leaving some room for recovery for the Australian dollar.

$A higher as optimism over Europe grows

22 May 2012 |

The Australian dollar is higher as hopes grow that Greece will stay in the euro zone and after G8 leaders pushed for a pro-growth strategy to solve the continent's debt crisis.

Euro rebounds vs US dollar ahead of EU meeting

22 May 2012 |

The euro edged higher against the US dollar on Monday as traders paused after driving the common currency to a four-month low and awaited a meeting of euro zone leaders this week.

$A passes 99 US cents as optimism returns

22 May 2012 |

The Australian dollar has headed back above 99.00 US cents amid optimism that a new approach to the euro zone government debt crisis will work.

Germany, France pledge to keep Greece in euro

22 May 2012 |

Germany and France have pledged to do whatever is necessary to keep Greece in the euro fold, as political turmoil in the debt-wracked country threatens to force it out of the club.

Equities, $A rally on assurances from world leaders

22 May 2012 | Brendon Lau

Before the Bell | Global stocks rebounded and the euro steadied after world leaders emphasised their support for economic growth in the euro zone ■ S&P up 1.6pc ■ Facebook slides 11pc ■ SPI up 33pts ■ $A up three quarters of a cent to US99.09¢.

Strategists warn against $A optimism

22 May 2012 | Joanna Heath

PRINT: 22 May 2012 | PAGE 29 | Strategists warn on $A optimism

The Australian dollar managed to snap a six-day losing streak on Monday following the weekend’s Group of Eight summit, but strategists say the bump may be short-lived.

$A flat in uncertain market

21 May 2012 |

The Australian dollar is struggling around six-month lows reached at the end of last week as the market faces uncertainty.

$A slightly higher as pessimism wanes

21 May 2012 |

The Australian dollar is bouncing back from six-month lows reached at the end of last week as the market mood improves.

‘Risky’ euro remains at a steady low

21 May 2012 |

The euro started the week on a subdued note and commodity currencies remained mired at multi-month lows as investors found little comfort in a pledge by world leaders to take all steps necessary to combat financial turmoil.

Video | Markets Monday

21 May 2012 |

Investors should brace for more disruption as Europe’s debt woes continue, China strives for a soft landing and Australia’s bond market hits its lowest point since before the GFC.

Futures tip soft open, Europe still in background

21 May 2012 | Peter Wells

It could be a relatively uneventful day for markets, but we’re all now living in a state of expecting the unexpected. SPI futures are pointing to an 8 point fall and the Aussie dollar has bounced off its morning low.

Small hope gives slight lift to $A

21 May 2012 |

The Australian dollar has rebounded from its six-month lows after G8 leaders vowed to do what they can to promote economic growth.

From Russia with love: stick with the euro

21 May 2012 | Geoff Winestock

PRINT: 21 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | From Russia with love: stick with the euro

Winestock | My strongest memory of the time when the ruble zone was breaking up is the Ukrainian black market traders arriving every morning.

Investors brace for further EU upheaval

21 May 2012 | Bianca hartge-Hazelman

Before the Bell | Investors are expected to tread carefully ahead of a meeting of EU leaders later in the week ■ G8 encourages growth ■ Dow falls 0.6pc ■ SPI down 8pts ■ $A steady at 98.4 US cents ■ Broker Watch: ROC, CBA.

Merkel wades into Greece’s choppy political waters

19 May 2012 |

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has suggested that Greece should hold a referendum on the euro, together with next month’s national elections, an idea which was immediately ruled out.

If Greece goes under . . .

19 May 2012 | Tony Boyd

PRINT: 19 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | If Greece goes under . . .

Global financial markets during the week followed the normal pattern seen over the past two years by switching from being bullish to pricing in a worst-case scenario from the Greek sovereign debt crisis.

Europe sparks investor rout

19 May 2012 | Philip Baker

PRINT: 19 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Euro fear drives share plunge

Australian shares fell into negative territory for the first time this year, driven by fears that fallout from Europe will hit the Chinese economy. Nearly $56.2 billion was wiped from the value of the S&P/ASX 200 index this week as fears spread that Spain is the latest flashpoint in the crisis.

Spain on the brink as euro faces the crunch

19 May 2012 | Charles Penty

PRINT: 19 May 2012 | PAGE 15 | Spain on the brink as euro faces the crunch

Spain moved back into the eye of the eurozone storm as the country’s borrowing costs rocketed and the banking sector was hit by mass downgrades.

Big challenges in uncertain world

19 May 2012 | The Australian Financial Review

PRINT: 19 May 2012 | PAGE 62 | Serious challenges in an uncertain world

Editorial | Evidence of fragility in the world economy and financial market jitters should probably be viewed here in Australia with caution rather than alarm.

Five sessions of trouble makes one weak

18 May 2012 | Peter Wells

Two hours into today’s session and Australian shares – down 1.98 per cent at 12pm AEST – are shaping up for their worst week of the year.

Video | Friday Market Minutes

18 May 2012 |

RBS Morgans’ Roger Leaning says in two to three years people will kick themselves for not buying more shares now.

$A dips below 99 US cents on European bank fears

18 May 2012 |

The Australian dollar has fallen back below 99 US cents amid reports of widespread bank withdrawals in Spain and Greece as fears grow that the euro zone debt crisis will worsen.

Moody’s downgrades 16 Spanish banks

18 May 2012 |

Moody’s Investors Service has downgraded the long-term debt ratings for 16 Spanish banks, in part because of constraints on the government’s ability to provide them with support.

Equities extend losses, Spanish bank ratings cut

18 May 2012 | Brendon Lau

Before the Bell | Global equities have extended losses amid renewed EU debt crisis concerns and weak US economic data ■ S&P 500 down 1.5pc ■ Facebook sets $US38 price ■ SPI down 79pts ■ $A below US99¢ ■ Broker Watch: NWS, CBA.

Euro slammed by Greece, Spain bank fears

18 May 2012 |

The euro fell to a four-month low against the US dollar on concerns about banks in Spain and Greece and the prospect of contagion if Greece exits the euro zone.

It won’t be a quickie divorce

18 May 2012 | Philip Baker

PRINT: 18 May 2012 | PAGE 3 | It won’t be a quickie divorce

Seven weeks ago, investors where basking in the glow of the best quarter for the S&P 500 since 1997, but since then the Greece impasse has them rattled and the index has given back more than half those gains.

Europe reaps a bitter harvest

18 May 2012 | The Australian Financial Review

PRINT: 18 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Europe reaps a

Editorial | European policymakers have no one but themselves to blame for their economic and financial predicament. It is the direct result of the political compromises put in place to secure monetary union.

Asia prepares to ride out Greek storm

18 May 2012 | Keiko Ujikane

PRINT: 18 May 2012 | PAGE 2 | Asia prepares to ride out Greek storm

Japan’s economy expanded faster than estimated in the first quarter, boosted by reconstruction spending which is poised to fade just as a worsening in Europe’s crisis threatens to curtail export demand.

$A moves higher in quiet trade

17 May 2012 |

The Australian dollar has moved higher in a quiet trading session, but remains below parity with its US counterpart.

Directionless dollar will stay near parity

17 May 2012 |

The Australian dollar has moved higher in a quiet trading session, but remains below parity with its US counterpart.

$A higher, but stays below parity

17 May 2012 |

The Australian dollar has moved higher in a quiet trading session, but remains below parity with its US counterpart.

Cameron: Europe’s single currency at crossroads

17 May 2012 |

UK Prime Minister David Cameron has warned eurozone leaders it is now “make or break” for the single currency as the financial turmoil threatens to cause another global meltdown.

Fears push euro to four-month low

17 May 2012 |

The euro dropped to a four-month low against the US dollar on Wednesday, sliding for a fourth consecutive session and is likely to face more losses on fears about a Greek exit from the euro zone.

Slight rise for $A despite uncertainty

17 May 2012 |

Updated | The Australian dollar has moved back above US99¢ despite a continuing slump in global sharemarkets, driven by fears Greece will exit the euro zone.

Shares sink on Greece, Fed outlook

17 May 2012 | Brendon Lau

Before the Bell | Global equities are in a slump as worries about Europe’s inability to contain the region’s debt crisis continue to heighten ■ SPI futures down 2 pts ■ Dow dips 0.26pc ■ $A at 99.2 US cents.

Euro zone damage control doubtful

17 May 2012 | Dario Perkins

PRINT: 17 May 2012 | PAGE 2 | Euro zone damage control doubtful

With a Greek exit from the euro again on the cards, the chances of contagion also rise dramatically.

Turmoil pushes Aussie dollar to year low

17 May 2012 |

PRINT: 17 May 2012 | PAGE 4 | Turmoil pushes dollar to year low

The Australian dollar fell to a fresh 2012 low on Wednesday as the Greek political impasse took its toll on global risk assets.

Miners hit middle ground

17 May 2012 | Joanna Heath

PRINT: 17 May 2012 | PAGE 4 | Miners hit middle ground

The falling Australian dollar is good news for some locally listed resource companies, but falling commodity prices may negate any positive impact.

Hollande sympathetic to Greeks, but Merkel firm

17 May 2012 | Mark Deen

PRINT: 17 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Hollande sympathetic, but Merkel firm

Problems in Greece have overshadowed the first meeting between German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande.

$A heads lower as Greece heads for election

16 May 2012 |

The Australian dollar has traded in a narrow range after falling sharply overnight on news Greece will face fresh elections.

Home appliance sales boosted

16 May 2012 |

China plans to subsidise energy-efficient home appliances to boost sluggish sales of home appliances.

Yuan being freed fast

16 May 2012 | Shaun Drummond

PRINT: 16 May 2012 | PAGE 1 |

The day when the Chinese yuan is free of regulatory restrictions is approaching faster than many thought possible, according to a bank expert on the currency and treasurers working in the Chinese market.

$A heads lower as Greeks head for election

16 May 2012 |

The Australian dollar has traded in a narrow range after falling sharply overnight on news Greece will face fresh elections. At 12pm AEST on Wednesday the Australian dollar was trading at US99.24¢.

Stocks to own when the $A moves

16 May 2012 | Peter Wells

With the Australian dollar flicking around parity, JPMorgan’s quant team have put together a nice piece on which stocks to own when the AUD/USD rate changes.

Aussie drops further below parity

16 May 2012 |

The Australian dollar is three quarters of a US cent lower after talks between Greece’s political parties failed, meaning the country is headed for fresh elections next month.

Greenback gains on data and safe-haven flows

16 May 2012 |

The euro dropped to a four-month low against the US dollar on Tuesday after Greece failed to form a government and said it would hold new elections, raising risks it could eventually exit the euro.

Greek uncertainty pushing investors to sidelines

16 May 2012 | Brendon Lau

Before the Bell | Shares on Wall Street have fallen for an eighth day out the past ten, as Greece’s political deadlock set the stage for new elections and more uncertainty ■ Dow falls 0.5pc ■ SPI futures down 32pts ■ $A at 99.37 US cents after hitting near 5-mth low ■ Toll warns on earnings.

Wary investors await more falls in Aussie dollar

16 May 2012 | Bianca Hartge-Hazelman

PRINT: 16 May 2012 | PAGE 5 | Wary investors await more falls in local currency

Hedge funds, central banks and exporters are determining the direction of the Australian dollar as it flirts with parity on fears of euro zone instability.

Dollar-exposed corporations get off lightly

16 May 2012 | Joanna Heath

PRINT: 16 May 2012 | PAGE 5 | Dollar-exposed stocks get off lightly

The Australian dollar’s brief dive below parity has not been enough to boost currency-exposed stocks, as executives argue the short-term movement will have little impact on company bottom lines.

Henry warns of upward pressure on ‘safe’ $A

16 May 2012 | Laura Tingle

PRINT: 16 May 2012 | PAGE 3 | Henry warns of upward pressure on ‘safe’ $A

Former Treasury secretary Ken Henry has given a gloomy prognosis on European economies, saying Australia may become a safe haven for international investors.

Stocks belted on Europe worries

15 May 2012 | Bianca Hartge-Hazelman

Investors continued to sell out of riskier assets in search of a more defensive zone as the probability of a debt default in Greece exacerbates ongoing market uncertainty.

$A struggles above 2012 low

15 May 2012 | Joanna Heath

The Australian dollar regained parity late on Tuesday on the same day as a fresh 2012 low, though foreign exchange strategists warned European development overnight could cause further volatility.

Greek woes keep $A below parity

15 May 2012 |

The Australian dollar was trading in a tight range on Tuesday afternoon, stuck below parity with the US dollar amid concerns about Greece's worsening political crisis.

$A slips to US99.50¢ after RBA minutes

15 May 2012 | James Carlisle

The Australian dollar slipped on Tuesday after the Reserve Bank of Australia published the minutes of its May policy meeting, at which it cut its cash rate by 50 basis points to 3.75 per cent.

Asian markets brace for Europe fallout

15 May 2012 | Peter Wells

Greece is the word, again. And Spain. And Italy. I wouldn’t expect any less than a rough day of trading in Asia today. SPI futures pointing the S&P/ASX 200 to open 31 points lower suggest as much.

Talk of Greek exit is “nonsense”: Juncker

15 May 2012 |

Euro zone finance ministers dismissed talk of Greece leaving the euro zone as “propaganda and nonsense” on Monday, but said the country had to respect the terms of its bailout programme.

Global fears keep Aussie below parity

15 May 2012 |

The Australian dollar as fallen below parity with its US counterpart and global equity markets have plummeted as fears mount that Greece will exit the euro zone and default on its debt.

Euro falls, approaches 4-month low vs $US

15 May 2012 |

The euro fell to its lowest in nearly four months against the US dollar on Monday on fears Greece could exit the euro and worries the region was heading for recession based on weak industrial data.

Greek impasse drags down global equities

15 May 2012 | Brendon Lau

Before the Bell | Continuing uncertainty about the future of Greece in the euro zone is making investors wary of risk assets including shares and the $A ■ Moody’s cuts Italian banks ■ S&P 500 down 1.1pc ■ SPI down 31pts

Greek leaders show no signs of cutting deal

15 May 2012 | Renee Maltezou

Updated | Greek leftists rejected a last-ditch proposal by the head of state to put technocrats in charge of the country, as financial markets slid on speculation Athens will be forced out of the euro zone.

Merkel sticks by austerity despite setback

15 May 2012 |

Angela Merkel is looking increasingly isolated at home and in Europe after what she called a “bitter, painful defeat” for her party in a weekend election in Germany’s most populous state.

Back to drachma

15 May 2012 | Trevor Bail

PRINT: 15 May 2012 | PAGE 53 | Back to drachma

It has been obvious for some time that the Greek crisis will not be dealt with satisfactorily because successive Greek governments will be unable or unwilling to dish out the tough medicine that has been prescribed.

Fazzino’s shale-and-hearty call

15 May 2012 | Robert Guy

PRINT: 15 May 2012 | PAGE 4 | Fazzino’s shale-and-hearty call

Guy | He may be an old school petrol-head but that’s not going to stop James Fazzino from embracing the new energy future.

Winners, losers in currency-go-round

15 May 2012 |

PRINT: 15 May 2012 | PAGE 5 | Winners, losers in currency-go-round

The major structural headwind of a high Australian dollar, appears to be easing, providing relief to Australian companies, especially those doing business in the United States.

$A still looks rosy among all the thorns

15 May 2012 | Philip Baker

PRINT: 15 May 2012 | PAGE 5 | Aussie dollar still looks rosy among all the thorns

The much talked about Australian dollar bull market looks a touch fatigued these days, but is it really over?

$A relief may be short-lived

15 May 2012 | Geoff Winestock

PRINT: 15 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | $A relief may

Exporters and manufacturers may have taken succour from a drop in the dollar below parity but RBA deputy governor Philip Lowe says it’s not the start of a permanent downwards move.

EU turmoil drags Aussie below parity

14 May 2012 | Jane Searle

PRINT: 14 May 2012 | PAGE 2 | EU turmoil drags Aussie below parity

The Australian dollar’s fall below parity may be prolonged as Europe’s political turmoil, slower Chinese growth and the anticipation of lower interest rates weigh on its near-term outlook.

Falling dollar won’t hit prices yet

14 May 2012 |

The once-mighty Aussie dollar is losing purchasing power as it slips below its US counterpart, but TVs and electrical gadgets are likely to stay dirt cheap – for a while at least.

$A hits parity with the US dollar

14 May 2012 |

The Australian dollar has dipped below parity with the US dollar for the first time in almost five months, as political turmoil continues in Greece, with further elections looking likely.

Euro hits four-month low

14 May 2012 |

The euro has dipped below $US1.29 to its lowest in nearly four months as Greek coalition government efforts stall due to leftists’ rejection of talks.

Credit Agricole has contingency for Greek exit

14 May 2012 |

Credit Agricole, one of France’s top banks, acknowledges it is working on contingency plans in case Greece abandons the euro as its currency.

Worry over Greece drags Aussie close to $US

14 May 2012 |

The Australian dollar has fallen closer to parity with the US dollar as political turmoil continues in Greece: at 0915 AEST on Monday the Australian dollar was trading at US100.04¢.

$A clings to parity after China cuts reserve ratio

14 May 2012 | Brendon Lau

Before the Bell | The $A is hanging on to parity on Monday and the ASX looks set for a cautious start, pulled between the prospect of further Greek elections and China’s decision to cut its banks’ reserve ratio ■ EU ministers to meet ■ Dimon to host AGM ■ SPI closed down 2pts on Saturday.

$A poised to dip below parity

14 May 2012 | Brendon Lau

PRINT: 14 May 2012 | PAGE 5 | $A poised to dip below parity

The Australian dollar could dip below parity early this week, with the market focused on the political turmoil in Europe and a potentially sharper than expected slowdown in China.

Euro extends slide amid volatile trading

12 May 2012 |

The euro slid to a 3-1/2-month low in volatile trade on Friday as political uncertainty in Greece and hefty losses disclosed by JPMorgan Chase spurred risk aversion.

Banks prepare for return of the drachma

12 May 2012 |

Some banks never erased the drachma from their systems after Greece adopted the euro and would be ready at the flick of a switch if its debt problems forced it to bring the currency back to life.

Fitch says EU ratings at risk if Greek exits

12 May 2012 |

Fitch ratings agency said on Friday that if Greece left the euro zone as a result of its political crisis or its economy failing to stabilise, it would impact the sovereign ratings of euro zone countries across the board.

Adventures in foreign exchange trading

12 May 2012 | Bina Brown

PRINT: PAGE 3 | Foreign adventures

Before heading into foreign exchange trading, investors should master some basic strategies.

Greatest gain came from the biggest loss

12 May 2012 | Bina Brown

PRINT: PAGE 3 | Greatest gain from the biggest loss

Anton Andreacchio was studying financial modelling and markets at university when he decided to put theory into practice.

Aussie dollar hovers around parity

11 May 2012 | Joanna Heath

PRINT: 12 May 2012 | PAGE 2 | Dollar hovers around parity

The Australian dollar may have been saved from falling below parity level for the first time this year by better than expected employment data and low inflation numbers in China.

Aussie shares stabilise on China inflation

11 May 2012 | Peter Wells

Chinese inflation came in at 3.4 per cent year-on-year in April, in line with market expectations, and down from a 3.6 per cent pace in March. Falling prices open the door for Beijing to support growth by easing policy.

Euro worries send $A lower

11 May 2012 |

The Australian dollar was trading about half a US cent lower on Friday afternoon, on continuing concerns about the euro-zone debt crisis.

Euro steady near 3-1/2 month low

11 May 2012 |

The euro held steady near a recent 3-1/2 month low on Friday, with the single currency still seen vulnerable due to ongoing political deadlock in Greece.

European concerns, JPMorgan knock $A

11 May 2012 |

The Australian dollar was trading lower on Friday morning, as lingering concerns linger about the Greek political situation were compounded by JPMorgan’s announcement of $2bn of trading losses.

Bank of England turns off money press

11 May 2012 |

The Bank of England voted on Thursday not to give Britain’s struggling economy another injection of cash as concerns over stubbornly high inflation outweighed the risk of a prolonged recession.

Dow futures hit after JPMorgan flags trading losses

11 May 2012 | Brendon Lau

Before the Bell | US index futures have fallen 0.5pc after the New York close following the announcement of $2bn trading losses by JPMorgan ■ US and European markets had closed higher on hopes for a Greek coalition ■ Dow up 0.2pc ■ SPI down 6pts ■ $A sinks half a cent.

Foreign ructions may check $A

11 May 2012 | Jason Murphy

PRINT: 11 May 2012 | PAGE 5 | Foreign ructions may check $A

The Australian dollar pulled back from its close dance with parity yesterday, on positive domestic news, but the uncertain international situation means it has not left the dance floor just yet.

Manufacturers aim to compete

11 May 2012 | Peter Roberts

PRINT: 11 May 2012 | PAGE 3 | Manufacturers

As the dollar threatened to fall below parity with the US currency on Thursday, leading manufacturers said they were no longer focused on a lower Aussie but setting strategy to compete at today’s levels.

Numbers put bounce in step

11 May 2012 | Jason Murphy

PRINT: 11 May 2012 | PAGE 4 | Numbers put bounce in step

Surprise employment figures jolted markets yesterday and may spark reassessment of the strength of the Australian economy, including by casting doubt on future interest rate cuts.

Satisfaction in sunny Athens

11 May 2012 | Alex Spillius

PRINT: 11 May 2012 | PAGE 2 | Satisfaction in sunny Athens

From a distance, it may appear as if Greek voters have plunged the country into pandemonium. But Athenians say they are proud of what they have achieved at the ballot box on Sunday.

Greek woes send $A towards parity

10 May 2012 |

The Australian dollar has fallen US4¢ in the past two weeks, hitting $US1.0021 in offshore trade on Wednesday night, its lowest level since the week before Christmas.

$A rises on strong jobs data

10 May 2012 |

The Australian dollar has risen after the release of better than expected labour force data that showed Australia's unemployment rate dropped to 4.9 per cent in April.

AUD back above $US1.01, shares spike on jobs data

10 May 2012 | Peter Wells

Australian shares and the dollar jump after a surprise fall in the unemployment rate and the addition of 15,500 jobs during April. Unemployment fell to 4.9 per cent.

Greece aid tempers falls, Dow hit for six

10 May 2012 | Peter Wells

■ US shares pare losses into the close as EU officials agree to release financial aid for Greece ■ Aussie dollar manages to hold above parity before employment data, but domestic shares tipped to fall.

China April trade data to show economy stabilising

10 May 2012 |

China’s April trade data should show exports stabilising as imports tick higher, reinforcing the view that the world’s second biggest economy is gradually recovering from its slowdown.

$A lower on Greek concerns

10 May 2012 |

The Australian dollar continues to push downwards on fears that Greek politicians will be unable to form a government.

Equities pare losses on Greece bailout agreement

10 May 2012 | Brendon Lau

Before the Bell | Global shares slid for a sixth day but losses were capped after the EU approved more bailout funds for Greece ■ Dow falls 0.8pc ■ SPI futures down 30pnts ■ $A lower at $US1.0046

Slimlandia: Carlos Slim muscles in on Europe

10 May 2012 | Richard Blackden

PRINT: 10 May 2012 | PAGE 34 | Slimlandia next stop Europe

Carlos Slim, the world’s richest man, plans to buy almost a third of Holland’s biggest phone company in a move that may herald an aggressive European expansion by the Mexican billionaire.

Euro woes, budget knock almost 1pc off shares

09 May 2012 | Bianca Hartge-Hazelman

PRINT: 09 May 2012 | PAGE 4 | Miners hit in Europe, budget fallout

The spending cuts announced in Tuesday’s budget and growing uncertainty in Europe weighed on investor sentiment and pushed the local sharemarket lower.

Parity beckons for $A as Europe cracks

09 May 2012 | Joanna Heath

PRINT: 10 May 2012 | PAGE 4 | Parity beckons as Europe cracks

The Australian dollar is set to fall back through parity with the US dollar as fears about a potential Greek exit from the euro intensify, and with China data due at the end of the week adding further risk to stability.

German patience with Greece wears thin

09 May 2012 |

Just weeks ago, the idea that Greece would leave the eurozone was almost unthinkable. Now, with Greece’s newly empowered political parties refusing to abide by the terms of loan agreements, that outcome looks more likely.

Euro near 3-month low as political risks weigh

09 May 2012 |

The euro eased and hovered near a three-month low, hurt by worries that political uncertainty in Greece and a French leadership change may undermine austerity plans key to tackling the euro-zone's debt crisis.

$A lower on Greek debt comments

09 May 2012 |

The Australian dollar has fallen three-quarters of a US cent on concern that Greek politicians won't reach an agreement on the country's debt bailout.

Euro slips for 7th day v $US, politics weigh

09 May 2012 |

The euro fell for a seventh straight session against the US dollar on Tuesday on concerns that political uncertainty in Greece and a French leadership change could undermine austerity plans.

Snapshot: $A lower on euro zone concerns

09 May 2012 |

The Australian dollar has opened lower on Wednesday morning, as election results and commentary in Greece continue to worry the market.

Euro slides for a seventh straight session

09 May 2012 |

The euro fell for a seventh straight session against the dollar on Tuesday on concerns that political uncertainty in Greece and a French leadership change could undermine austerity plans.

Global equities retreat amid renewed euro crisis

09 May 2012 | Bianca hartge-Hazelman

Before the Bell | Buyers stepped in as the closing bell approached in New York to trim earlier losses on concerns about the outlook for Greece ■ S&P 500 down 0.5pc ■ SPI down 22pts ■ $A slips to $US1.0113.

The case against austerity

09 May 2012 | Stephen Wyatt

PRINT: 09 May 2012 | PAGE 24 | The case against austerity

Risk assets, including commodities, showed extraordinary resilience as the euro debt crisis exploded back to life, reflecting continued expectations of a soft landing in China.

Budget release a ‘non-event’ for $A

08 May 2012 |

The Australian dollar was almost unchanged following the official release of the federal budget. However, it had fallen a third of a cent since 5pm AEST after key details of the budget were leaked to media.

Yuan closes down for the day

08 May 2012 |

China’s central bank set a slightly stronger midpoint on Tuesday, but spot prices started out below the fixing and closed down in a day of light trade.

$A higher despite Euro fears

08 May 2012 |

The Australian dollar has moved slightly higher, recovering some of the gains lost in Monday's sell-off, despite renewed concerns about Europe's debt crisis.

NZ dollar falls after Aussie trade deficit

08 May 2012 |

The New Zealand dollar fell in local trading after a bigger-than-expected Australian trade deficit sapped demand for the trans-Tasman currencies ahead of Australia's federal budget.

Push to merge and list media companies

08 May 2012 | Lucy Gao

China’s Ministry of Finance recently issued a circular calling for the advancement of the cultural sector, that includes the media.

Weak trade data pegs back $A

08 May 2012 |

The Australian dollar was almost a quarter of a US cent higher on Tuesday afternoon, despite weaker than expected trade data offsetting some of the currency's earlier gains.

Euro dips but market positioning may lend support

08 May 2012 |

The euro eased on Tuesday but stayed above the previous day's three-month low, with market positioning seen offering the currency some support despite political uncertainty in Greece.

$A higher on positive sentiment in Europe

08 May 2012 |

The Australian dollar is almost half a US cent higher on more positive sentiment surrounding the European elections, as finance leaders call for a greater focus on growth in the euro zone.

Euro drops on votes but off lows

08 May 2012 |

The euro slid across the board on Monday after the outcome of elections in Greece and France cast doubt on the political will and commitment to austerity plans.

Wall Street brushes off EU elections

08 May 2012 | Brendon Lau

Before the Bell | US stocks have closed flat, suggesting that the weekend’s European elections were broadly as anticipated ■ S&P 500 steady ■ SPI up 33pts ■ $A up half a cent at $US1.0214.

Weaker $A gives Treasurer a break

08 May 2012 | Jacob Greber

PRINT: 08 May 2012 | PAGE 11 | Weaker $A a bonus

Wayne Swan could finally be getting a break – an Australian dollar showing signs of losing steam.

$NZ hits three-and-a-half month low

07 May 2012 |

The New Zealand dollar fell to a fresh three-and-a-half-month low on concerns leadership changes in France and Greece will hamper efforts to resolve the region's sovereign debt crisis.

Europe rattles currency cages

07 May 2012 | Jason Murphy

PRINT: 08 May 2012 | PAGE 2 | Europe rattles currency cages

European fears drove dramatic shifts in world currencies in 48 hours, with the euro diving against the US dollar and the Australian dollar dragged down as investors took action following French and Greek elections on Sunday.

Asian currencies decline as investors sell

07 May 2012 |

Currencies fell across Asia’s emerging markets on Monday as investors worried about the impact of recent elections on the austerity program in the euro zone.

$A down on weak US jobs, European elections

07 May 2012 |

The Australian dollar has fallen on weak US jobs data and news from European elections, although it had bounced from the day’s lows after a surge in retail sales and building approvals.

Video | Markets Monday

07 May 2012 |

Shareholders are set to ­sell first and ask questions later this week in the wake of new anti-austerity governments being elected in France and Greece.

International financial news summary

07 May 2012 |

A roundup of news in finance, economics and business from around the world:

$A more than one cent lower after US jobs data

07 May 2012 |

The $A is more than one US cent lower on Monday morning, after disappointing jobs data from the US and elections in Europe.

Stocks to fall after weak US jobs, EU elections

07 May 2012 | Brendon Lau

Before the Bell – The ASX is set for heavy falls on Monday after a weak US jobs report on Friday and as investors digest a socialist victory in the French presidential election and gains for anti-austerity candidates in Greece ■ Dow down 1.3pc ■ SPI down 51pts ■ $A at $US1.012.

Blame it on the bonds

07 May 2012 | Amy Auster

PRINT: 07 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Blame it on the bonds

Increased overseas interest in Australian dollar assets is making the Reserve Bank’s task  that much harder.

Euro swoons before French, Greek votes

05 May 2012 |

The euro fell as low as $US1.3078, its lowest since April 19, on Friday and last traded at $1.3084, down 0.5 per cent, before weekend elections in France and Greece.

Greenback drops vs yen on jobs data

05 May 2012 |

The US dollar slumped against the yen, but gained against growth-linked currencies in volatile trading on Friday after US jobs data renewed concerns about the US economy.

Yuan closes flat on day, down for week

04 May 2012 |

The yuan closed down against the dollar to end a short three-day trading week, despite a record-high midpoint setting by the central bank on Wednesday. Markets were closed Monday and Tuesday for a public holiday.

Euro dips on weak PMI, but focus on US jobs

04 May 2012 |

The euro dipped against the US dollar on Friday after weak surveys on the euro zone services sector and before weekend elections in France and Greece, though falls were limited ahead of US jobs data later in the day.

$A down ahead of US payroll data

04 May 2012 |

The Australian dollar has fallen a third of a US cent after the central bank cut its inflation and growth forecasts and traders positioned themselves ahead of the release of US employment data.

The unflappable Australian dollar

04 May 2012 | Philip Baker

PRINT: 05 May 2012 | PAGE 3 | The unflappable Aussie dollar

You know the Australian dollar’s strength is out of kilter when expats return from the northern hemisphere and are shocked to find out how expensive it is in this country.

Europe’s trials hurt Aussie dollar

04 May 2012 | Jason Murphy

PRINT: 05 May 2012 | PAGE 24 | Europe’s trials hit Aussie dollar

Europe’s ongoing woes are the major drag on the global economy and are depressing commodity currencies such as the Australian dollar, according to the Reserve Bank.

Yuan opens down slightly

04 May 2012 |

The yuan opened slightly lower against the dollar on Friday from its previous close as the central bank set a weaker trading midpoint for the second consecutive day after three days of record-setting highs against the dollar.

Sharemarket puckers but no passionate rally

04 May 2012 | Stephen Calder

The S&P/ASX 200 sharemarket index puckered up to the 4400 level on Monday, ahead of the rate cut, and kissed it on Tuesday. Then there was a long embrace and some dancing at that level, but no consummation in the form of a firm rally, and by the end of the week it all went soft again.

Geithner praises China currency reforms

04 May 2012 |

US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner has told President Hu Jintao that China's moves toward a market-oriented exchange rate are "very promising".

$US steady before US jobs, euro above 2-week low

04 May 2012 |

The US dollar held steady versus the yen and euro on Friday, but could face downside risks if U.S. jobs data disappoints and stirs renewed speculation about further monetary easing from the US Federal Reserve.