The number of new home loans taken out in October rose,boosted by investors. The Bureau of Statistics figures show the overall number of home loans was up, largely thanks to an 8.6 per cent surge in investment loans. 

 

Australia's biggest energy producer Woodside Petroleum has halved its outlook for investment. It now plans to spend 1.1 billion US dolllars, down from 2.3 billion this year. Woodside says that's because of delays at its planned joint venture in Israel. The company has also lowered its full-year production target slightly. 

 

Investors in Woodside has taken that news in their stride. Shares ended the day half a per cent higher. QBE fell another 10%. Qantas has closed at its lowest level ever. The broader Australian share market started the day on a positive note, but gains did fade throughout the session. By the close, the All Ords was flat.