Financial Markets, Stocks & Commodities

Australian reports

• Aust markets: Australian market set to open lower
• Aust dollar report: $A follows commodity prices lower
• Aust credit close: Bonds weaken on inflation numbers

World reports

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

Stocks to watch

AGL, AZJ, BKN, DLS, EHE, OZL, VET,

NZ Reserve Bank keeps rates on hold

NZ Reserve Bank says the official cash rate will stay at 3.5 per cent "for some time" with governor Graeme Wheeler softening his stance on hikes.

Fortescue to shed light on its performance

Fortescue Metals is releasing a quarterly report on Thursday that will reveal how the company is performing amid further falls in iron ore prices.

Queensland worst for mortgage defaults

The suburb of Kingston, south of Brisbane, is the worst in the country for mortgage delinquencies.

Bradken shares dive as takeover falls over

Tumbling oil and iron ore prices have scrapped a takeover bid for engineering firm Bradken, wiping more than 30 per cent from its share price.

'No smoking gun' for rate cut in CPI data

Borrowers shouldn't expect a rate cut from the Reserve Bank just yet, economists say, despite cheap fuel dragging inflation to near three year lows.

Vocation CEO steps down after big loss

Vocation chief executive Mark Hutchinson will step down after the company flagged a $27 million first half loss.