Financial Markets, Stocks & Commodities

Australian reports

• Aust markets: Shares rise for fifth straight session
• Aust dollar report: $A edges higher ahead of economic news
• Aust credit close: Bonds weaken as stock makets bounce back

World reports

• World commodities: Commodities markets summary
• World markets: International markets roundup

Stocks to watch

ARI, ASL, DOW, FXJ, TEN, SYD, TSE,

Medibank says float price is fair

Retail investors will pay between $1.55 and $2 a share in the Medibank float, boosting federal government coffers by up to $5.5 billion.

Merger rumours lift Fairfax and Ten shares

Fairfax Media and Network Ten's shares have risen on rumours the two media organisations are looking at a potential merger.

Transfield shares surge after takeover bid

Transfield Services has rejected a $1 billion takeover bid from Spanish building giant Ferrovial but plans to hold further talks.

Ausdrill takes hit from mining downturn

Shares in mining services firm Ausdrill have slumped after the company flagged a 13 per cent slide in earnings.

Watchdog targets financial planners

ASIC has made particular mention of its focus on the financial advice industry in an outline of its priorities in the year ahead.

Stokes embraces multicultural Australia

Media magnate Kerry Stokes has opened up about his tough upbringing and embracing multicultural Australia in a new book.