Insights

If the Australian market follows the US lead today, we will be in for a consolidation session. Traders are showing signs of settling down to wait on next week's Fed decision.

Stocks fell further overnight after a soft Asia Pacific trading session yesterday. Despite positive industrial data from Japan and the USA in the last 24 hours, investors sold, apparently with an eye on year-end tax issues. While volumes were low and falls mild, the continuation of recent weakness could see local investors on the back foot today.

From falling mining investment to the slowing housing boom, here are the key trends affecting our market now.

Our US colleagues at Barron's have dropped banks and department stores in favour of industrial and consumer stocks including Apple, Foot Locker and GM.

Get the most out of your exchange-traded fund with these five guidelines.

This week we look at Spotless Group, Collins Foods Ltd, Integral Diagnostics and Broadspectrum (Transfield).

We explain the rationale behind the work test that determines whether over 65s can continue to voluntarily contribute to super.

on Transurban

The strong downward momentum in oil markets stalled on overnight markets. However, there was no news to support optimism and with spot iron ore continuing to drift lower, investors are likely to remain nervous about mining and energy stocks today.

After a stronger European trading session, a resurgent USD sparked selling in commodities overnight, culminating in a rout and weighing on share market sentiment. Commodity currencies were also slapped. Given the weakness in energy stocks yesterday, today's session may surprise if investors turn their attention to potential profit stimulus from lower energy prices.

Don't miss our live interview with legendary fund manager Geoff Wilson, plus find out what Malcolm Turnbull's Innovation Statement means for investors.

The insurance broker network has met or exceeded guidance since listing and is not exposed to the same volatility as a traditional insurance business.

Geoff Wilson's charitable LICs are delivering good news for investors, outperforming an incredibly difficult market while donating to youth organisations.

We are concerned about potential delays in revenue uplift for Azure, while Energy Action is facing pressure on margins.

A strong lead from US stocks based on a 'Goldilocks' job number will see a solid start to stock market trading this week. However, the extent of any rally today may be capped by mixed results on commodity markets.

An up and down kind of a month ends up with the market back where it started.