Insights

The sharemarket fell as a key measure of domestic consumer confidence weakened, with already shaky sentiment taking another hit when Holden confirmed it would cease local production in 2017.

BHP Billiton believes its US shale business will be profitable by the 2016 financial year, in what appears to be a slightly less ambitious schedule than the one outlined last year by former petroleum boss Mike Yeager.

The light at the end of the tunnel just moved further away for OZ Minerals shareholders, after the copper and gold miner revealed its difficult year would become a difficult 18 months.

Yes, the Coalition's fall in the opinion polls has become an economic problem. The factors behind it are taking the shine off consumer confidence at a time when increased consumption and stronger business confidence are required to minimise pain in a transitioning economy.

A total of 2900 jobs to go at Holden, multiples of that likely to go in Australian supplier companies. Tony Abbott called last May's announcement by Ford that it would stop making cars in Australia in 2016 at a cost of 1200 jobs "a black day for Australian manufacturing". Holden's decision to stop making vehicles in 2017 could turn the car-making industry's lights out for good.

Senior National Party figure Peter Walsh has repeated criticism that the government's rejection of the GrainCorp takeover was a decision made "on the hop", and one that it might regret.

Bega Cheese executive chairman Barry Irvin says a super Australian dairy company could be formed if Murray Goulburn accepts its bid for Warrnambool Cheese & Butter.

Despite motorists grumbling about the almost vertical leap in petrol prices this year, the average fuel price actually eased, although only slightly.

Westpac will next year allow customers to make payments at credit card terminals through their smartphones, the latest sign of banks competing through investments in technology. From early 2014, customers with certain Android handsets will be able to access funds from debit or credit card accounts by waving their phones at merchant terminals.

Southern Cross Media has reached a deal with lenders to refinance $765 million of debt, as it tries to bring down its gearing. The broadcaster said the five-year debt facility included improved commercial terms and financial covenants. The facility will be funded by ANZ, NAB and Commonwealth Bank, as well as the Japanese banks Sumitomo and Mizuho.

Vodafone is pleading with retail landlords around Australia to cut the rent on its stores as the telco struggles to contain more than $1.3 billion in recent financial losses.

Dexus Property has landed its expected sweetened offer for Commonwealth Property Office Fund in a bid to dislodge the rival GPT Group's offer.

Insufficient scale and high costs have ensured that any attempt to resuscitate the car manufacturing industry is futile. General Motors' exit will turn the spotlight on Toyota and parts suppliers.

Retail Food Group is continuing to serve up strong returns for its shareholders.

These new listings have caught the eye of leading fund managers.

This week we look at Rio Tinto, Qantas, Santos, Newcrest Mining, and Ramsay Health Care.