Taking a look at the currencies. The AU dollar has been under pressure today and lost around half cents since this time yesterday. 

 

The inability of borrowers to payback loans is becoming a concern for Australian lenders. A comprehensive global study of banks by Price Whitehouse Cooper(PWC) shows local lenders are increasingly concerned about the abilities of borrowers to meet repayments when interest rates inevitably rise. Interest rates ranked as the sixth major risk in Australia compared with twelfth in the world. The number one concern was regulatory changes. 

 

Optus is slashing jobs as part of an ongoing restructure but says none of the positions will be sent offshore. Australian's 2nd largest company won't reveal how many jobs will go nor which divisions will be affected until it's finished talking to works in the next few days. There are reports around 200 workers will lose their jobs. The telco says its priority is to communicate any changes to its employees who will be affected. The cuts form parts of a strategic review announced 1.5 years ago.