Daily Dispatches: unemployment falls again
Australia's jobless rate fell last month as the labour market gathered strength, building the case for further interest rate rises. The unemployment rate eased to 5.5 per cent in December from a revised 5.6 per cent rate in November, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. (The Age)
Australia's big four banks are emerging from the global financial crisis in "relatively good shape", but they still face a number of challenges, particularly with asset quality, a major report from Fitch has found. (The Australian)
CBA is eyeing potential acquisitions in Asia and negotiating new strategic partnerships as part of an aggressive push into the region. A source close to CBA told BusinessDaily the group was finalising an alliance with an unnamed Asian bank which would involve an initial investment of at least $100m. (Herald Sun)
Personal loans are making a comeback, and banks are getting the cream. The latest lending figures show fixed-term borrowing for cars, boats and travel has jumped 38 per cent since its low point in November 2008 at the depth of the financial crisis. (Sydney Morning Herald)
