Sunday 11 December 2011

An important skill when reading articles in the press is to identify the difference between fact and opinion.

FINANCIAL NEWS
THIS WEEK
STOCKS SET TO SIZZLE
Joe's BBQs Ltd shares are set to soar after the recent Consumer group survey revealed that 95% of all Australian households are set to update their outdoor entertaining facilities this summer. 
A spokesperson for the Consumer Group survey stated "The survey results indicate a widespread consensus among Australians that it is time to update their BBQs."
Market analysts will be watching the share prices of outdoor furniture and accessory retailers with keen interest when the market opens this morning.


Test your knowledge.

1.  In the "Stocks set to sizzle" article is the comment about the future movements of Joe's BBQs shares:
-  Fact
-  Opinion.

Feedback:
Answer:  Opinion

While the information from the Consumer Group survey is fact, the comment about the future performance of Joe's BBQs Ltd shares is the opinion of the article's writer.  An important skill when reading articles in the press is to identify the difference between fact and opinion.  Before agreeing with a writer's opinion you may want to review the logic that they used to reach their conclusion.




WORLD NEWS
8.34am  Reserve Bank drops interest rates.
At the Reserve Bank's monthly meeting yesterday it decided to ease Monetary Policy and reduce interest rates by a quarter of one percent.  
The RBA quoted the reduced inflationary pressure in the economy and the falling levels of business investment as the key reasons behind the decision to lower interest rates.


Test your knowledge

2.  Does a drop in interest rates generally have a
-  Positive effect on the sharemarket
-  Negative effect on the sharemarket.

Feedback
Answer:  Positive effect on the sharemarket.

Interest Rates reflect the cost of borrowing.  The higher interest rates are, the more expensive it is to borrow money.  Higher interest rates also mean both individuals and companies have higher repayments on outstanding loans.

Test your knowledge

3.  Do these two articles alone contain enough information to base a decision to buy shares in Joe's BBQs Ltd?
-  Yes
-  No

Feedback
Answer:  No

While articles like these may provide the spark to motivate you to investigate, a crucial step before any share purchase is to review the company announcements released by your target company.  First you will need to get more information about Joe's BBQs Ltd from the ASX website.


http://www.asx.com.au/courses/shares/course_06/index.html?shares_course_06


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