Dispatches: ASX/SGX deal would lead to Asian expansion

The next step for a combined Singaporean-Australian stock exchange would be expansion within Asia, according to SGX chief Magnus Bocker. Mr Bocker yesterday said the combined exchange would be the ideal venue for emerging companies from Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia and other ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries, and would be marketed to them. (The Australian)

Full employment - seen as unattainable not so many years ago - is now within reach. Australia's labour market is hurtling towards its holy grail, with unemployment falling to 5.2 per cent last month. (Herald Sun)

Sir Ron Brierley has retired as chairman of investment firm Guinness Peat Group, to be replaced by former Macquarie Bank deputy chairman Mark Johnson. (Sydney Morning Herald)