Strong commodity prices a positive for Australia

The Australian market is attracting interest and not only because of its perceived safe haven status within the Far East. From 1997, fund manager weightings in the country rose dramatically as the Australian dollar and economy were spared the turmoil of the rest of the region. Even though its neighbours to the north are beginning to revive, fund managers believe the outlook for Australia is also improving in fundamental terms. The benchmark stock market index, the All Ordinaries, has risen some 6.8% in local currency terms year to date, which translates into a 18.91% rise in sterling terms...