FGC BOLSA - FGC FINANCIAL MARKETS INFO

Rio warns on commodities Matt Chambers RIO Tinto warns mineral markets have softened in the past six months, but its CEO says demand is still strong.   Tax push to boost productivity Scott Murdoch THE government is being urged to encourage more people to join the labour force by increasing tax incentives to work longer.   Housing the 'Greece' of US Kathleen Madigan FORGET gingerbread. Baklava is the more appropriate pastry when thinking of US housing.   Franklins deal gets go-ahead Susannah Moran METCASH is free to finalise its $215m Franklins deal after a judge ruled against the competition regulator.   RBA to keep rates steady Scott Murdoch THE Reserve Bank has indicated that interest rates will remain steady for the next few months, dashing hopes of a cut.   Oracle profits soar 36pc John Kell ORACLE'S first-quarter profit jumped 36 per cent on strong demand for software and services, but hardwar

Financial & Forex Info News Swan, Shorten to put heat on insurers James Massola WAYNE Swan and Bill Shorten will meet insurance companies in Brisbane today amid growing pressure for insurers to show compassion to flood victims.   Positive end to week for sharemarket THE Australian stockmarket had a modestly higher end to the week with falls in resources stocks offset by a stronger financial sector.   Gladstone to resume exports on Saturday David Fickling THE Port of Gladstone will restart exports of coal Saturday, in a further sign of recovery from Queensland's flood crisis.   Dollar up late, US data the driver Enda Curran AN easing of euro-area sovereign debt concerns boosted the euro, which in turn helped the Australian dollar nudge higher.   Intel profit skyrockets 167pc IT giant Intel posted its best earnings ever last year as businesses and consumers snapped up processors for networks and mobile devices.   Qant

Financial & Forex Info News ( F & F I N ) Asia frets as floods choke coal supply Denny Kurien ASIAN steelmakers are watching warily as floodwaters choke off vital coal supplies from Australia.   New crystals to drive tablets, TVs Lorraine Luk, Las Vegas SAMSUNG is betting on new transparent liquid crystal display technology to strengthen its top position in the world's display market.   Shares slip on flood risks, US jobs Staff reporter THE Australian sharemarket closed 0.4 per cent lower today, weighed down by worries over the floods and caution ahead of US jobs data.   Facebook opens door for 2012 IPO Anupreeta Das, Geoffrey A Fowler and Jean Eaglesham A FACEBOOK plan to breach a critical shareholder limit this year could force it to launch an initial public offering by next year.   EU floats plan to confront bank failure Riva Froymovich THE EU is proposing an area-wide framework for confronting bank and investment