英语听力：澳洲新闻 (ABC新闻快递) 2013-09-11（在线收听） |
New figures show business confidence was boosted by bets on a Coalition election victory and an interest rate cut in August. National Australia Bank's monthly survey of over 600 firms shows confidence shot up to a reading of six from minus three back in July. Hopes the federal election would put an end to political uncertainty were largely behind the surge, but the survey did show conditions will weak with a worrying downturn in employment. Elders plans to cut ten per cent of its workforce or about 150 jobs as part of a plan to return to a pure agri-business. Elders also expects a 39-million-dollar loss because of a weak live cattle exports. The 174-year-old company has reached a deal to extend its loans until the end of next year. It will use the financing for its trading businesses after selling off its forestry and car arms.
Investors have welcomed the moves by Elders. Shares have shot up almost 11 per cent. The major miners and Telstra also led the way. The board of Australian sharemarket built up on yesterday's gains after more positive economic idicators out of China. The All Ords added half a per cent, as did the ASX 200 index. Across the region, trade is positive as well. Japan's Nikkei is up one and a half per cent.
And a quick check of currencies. The Australian dollar is trading near its highest level since late July. |
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