英语听力：澳洲新闻 (ABC新闻快递) 2013-09-18（在线收听） |
The Reserve Bank has echoed concerns that record low interest rates are fueling a property price bubble. In the minutes of its September meeting, the Central Bank warned that it was crucial for the banks to maintain prudent lending standards. Now the warning comes after the National Monetary Fund signalled low inflation and low interest rates could create a price bubble. The IMF's called for tighter lending standards to avoid defaults when interest rates rise in the future.
Tech giant Microsoft has announced a 40-billion-dollar share buyback and increased dividends for shareholders. In a statement, Microsoft said the quarterly dividend will be raised by 5 cents a share to 28 cents.
Microsoft stocks have performed poorly in recent years, increasing by just 8 per cent sicne 2010. The company shares rose 1.4 per cent after the announcement.
Let's go the markets. The Dow closed 35 points higher. The Nasdaq put on 28. The S&P 500 rose 7. And in London overnight, the FTSE lost 53.
To commodity markets.
West Texas Crude is trading at 105 US a barrel. Tapis Crude is 115 US dollars a barrel and gold is at 1310 US dollars an ounce.
The Australian dollar is buying 94 US cents, 70 Euro cents and 59 pence sterling.
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