S&P/ASX 200 index (^AXJO)(ASX:XJO)
SPASX 200 index AXJOASXXJO
Australians invest at a higher rate than most
Although the 2012 Australian Share Ownership Study released yesterday revealed that only 38% of Australians are involved in the share market either directly or indirectly, our country still has a much higher participation rate than in overseas markets.
By Ryan Newman The Motley Fool
Queenslanders falling behind on shares
The 2012 Australian Share Ownership Study that was released yesterday by the ASX (ASX: ASX) outlined the typical profile of a direct share owner, in which it was interesting to note the states and territories where higher incidence in direct share ownership occurred.
2 out of 3 Australians missing out on massive gains
The 2012 Australian Share Ownership Study, conducted by the ASX and released yesterday, shows that roughly 66% of Australians are not currently invested in direct shares, meaning that only one third of Australians are taking advantage of the enormous gains on offer.
Leighton to cut costs
Shareholders in Leighton Holdings (ASX: LEI) have today breathed a sigh of relief as deputy chief executive Peter Gregg told investors that cost cutting will become a primary objective for the company as the mining contractor sector begins to deteriorate.
BHP, Rio to focus on shareholder returns
As resource-based companies divert their attention away from capital spending over the coming years, investors can expect a greater focus on shareholder returns and greater productivity.
Mining giants urged to sell cheaper
Mining behemoths BHP Billiton (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) have been urged by the world's largest mining investor, BlackRock (NYSE: BLK), to accept lower offers from bidders for purchases of its assets currently up for sale.
Property values to double?
The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) has made significant gains this year on the back of heavy investments made in blue-chip stocks. Recent turbulence in the mining industry and overseas markets has left many investors wondering whether the share market has run its race, and whether now may be the time to take their profits and seek gains elsewhere.
Your instant 5-share growth portfolio
Over the last 12 months, it has been the large, well established companies that have attracted investors en masse. Investors have flocked towards companies such as the big four banks, the two supermarket behemoths and Insurance Australia Group (ASX: IAG) in search of high dividend yields and a safe haven from economic turmoil overseas.
Three reasons to buy QBE Insurance
The nature of insurance companies is rather simple. The insurer takes on the risk that companies and individuals do not want to carry, offering personal, commercial, health, travel and vehicle cover, to name just a few.
NAB the favorite amongst analysts
Despite playing a major role behind the rapid climb of the S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) over the last 12 months, analysts are still loving what National Australia Bank (ASX: NAB) and ANZ (ASX: ANZ) have to offer.
Your instant 5-share mining portfolio
Australian PM Julia Gillard recently announced the mining boom is not over, so is now a good time to purchase quality resource stocks at a premium?
By Owen Raskiewicz
Dark days for Rio and BHP?
As global markets rally, Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) and BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) have been hit with some bleak iron ore forecasts.
10 stocks driving the ASX 200
Despite a dip in the index experienced in May last year, investors have welcomed the 15% ascent of the S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) over the past 12 months – a rise of 687.4 points, which has been predominantly influenced by just 10 stocks.
Leading the ASX down
Since hitting a high of 5,163.5 points in early March, the S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) has fallen to a two-month low of 4,883.7 today, with each of the big four banks, Woolworths Limited (ASX: WOW) and Wesfarmers Limited (ASX: WES) all losing out, however, these were by no means the worst performers for the day.
3 strong performers in a flat week
After a poor start to the week following pessimistic Chinese predictions, the S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) recovered to close on Friday with a 1% gain at 5,123.40 – a rather flat week compared to those we've experienced recently. Whilst record heights were realised on Wall Street during the week, investors largely chose to lock in profits after the recent rally we've experienced. Here are three companies that did perform well last week.