launch is a direct challenge to No.... 1 lender Commonwealth Bank of Australia’s subsidiary CommSec

MELBOURNE: Oil prices slid on Friday but were set to post their biggest annual gains in 12 years, spurred by the global economic recovery from the COVID-19 slump and producer restraint, even as infections surged to record highs around the world. Brent crude futures fell 31 cents, or 0.4%, to$ 79.22 a barrel at 0427 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate( WTI) crude futures dropped 37 cents, or 0.5%, to$ 76.62 a barrel. Brent is on track to end the year up 53%, while WTI is heading for a 57% gai

SYDNEY: Australia’s government has unveiled a stimulatory budget ahead of this year’s federal election, with measures expected to underpin short-term consumer demand, according to analysts.A fuel-tax cut, one-off cost-of-living cash payments and infrastructure spending are among policies seen supporting Australian equities. The benchmark SP/ ASX 200 Index has gained 0.3% this year, besting most Asia-Pacific gauges amid soaring commodities prices and a strong earnings outlook.“ Although this budg