* Oil closes 78 percent higher than Dec. 31, 2008 * Oil posts biggest annual gain since 1999 (Updates prices at settlement, adds yearly price changes)
Archive for December, 2009
FALLING oil stocks and growing demand for heating oil amid cold weather pushed oil prices to close 2009 at a seven-week high.
Tourism operators hope the latest National Gallery blockbuster will attract a record number of visitors to Canberra.
* Jobless claims fall to lowest level in 17 months
The Rudd Government’s final plank of industrial relations reforms will take effect from today, with the start of new national employment standards and modern awards.
Economists say economic growth is set to triple in 2010.
The people of Toodyay face a hard road in the quest to rebuild their town which was ravaged by this week’s bushfire.
* Bullion set to clock 25 pct gain for the year * Up $219/oz, biggest dollar gains since 1979
Financial markets in Asia, Europe and the U.S. will beclosed on Friday, Jan. 1, for the New Year holiday. Full coverage of global foreign exchange markets [FRX/]will resume out of Tokyo on Monday, Jan. 4.
* Jobless claims fall to lowest level in 17 mths * S&P 500 eyes best year since 2003
