Despite the inherent volatility of some of its core lines of business, Macquarie's overall earnings growth has been consistent and strong.

The ratings on Macquarie reflect its resilient earnings profile, supported by its well-diversified business platform and strong asset quality experience. The bank's ratings also stem from its strong management capability, well-entrenched risk discipline, and conservative financial policies.

The decline by the PPI overall and the dip by the core PPI is very much consistent with the general absence of inflation risks.

The decline by the PPI overall and the dip by the core PPI is very much consistent with the general absence of inflation risks,

Dell is a company that I think may have some value here but as its earnings growth comes down I think investors are looking at a multiple closer to where earnings growth rate is starting to show signs of bottoming out.

The economic environment remained supportive of overall loan growth in 2005, while the rate of growth in the home loan sector moderated toward a more sustainable level.