Winners

MICROSOFT'S revenue and profit have risen in the first fiscal quarter, with earnings increasing 9% on the back of strong sales in business software.

Sales increased to $US15.06billion ($A22.6billion) in the three months ending in September, beating Wall Street's expectations of $US14.78 billion, but the software developer warned of softening sales in the second quarter as economic growth slows.

Swan approves merger

WESTPAC got approval this week from federal Treasurer Wayne Swan for its bid for a $18.6 billion merger with Australia's fifth-largest bank, St George.

Conditions include a three-year period in which both banks will continue to be separately branded.

$A fall suits Amcor

WHILE travellers may be ruing the collapse of the Australian dollar, packaging company Amcor says the fall has boosted earnings from overseas operations. The boost means Amcor has been able to offset any downturn in local sales due to slowing economic conditions.