Checking commodities' prices now.

 

Gold is buying 1307 U.S. dollars an ounce. And the Aussie dollar is currently buying 92.9 U.S. cents.

 

A living business survey shows employment growth is likely to remain subdued as confidence and conditions remain weak. The net business survey shows confidence slipped last month to its lowest level since September, drugged down by slug activity,higher currency and federal budget concerns. Mining, finance and property are among the most pessimistic sectors. There was a marginal improvement in conditions as well as a pick-up in employment, but economists don't believe it's enough to make a difference.

 

And the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry says households shouldn't enjoy lower prices for some key Japanese products as a result of the free trade agreement. It says prices for cars, household and electrical goods are set to fall after tariffs are removed, but the Chamber's Director of Trade Brien Clark has cautioned that tariffs aren't the only factor, meaning any reduction in prices may be smaller than expected.