Australian business confidence fell in December to the lowest level in six months, a sign the central bank’s record round of interest-rate increases is damping sentiment. Read the rest here: Business Confidence Falls to Six-Month Low (BusinessWeek)

Apple has made a bone-head play that damages the iPad’s potential for business. But, Microsoft, believe it or not, could come to the rescue. Here’s why: See the rest here: Microsoft Could Make the iPad a Great Business Tool (PC World via Yahoo! News)

Watson’s sail rival hits trouble, out of race SUPPORTERS are confident any round-the-world record set by teen sailor Jessica Watson will stand for many years.The 16-year-old Queenslander is more than halfway through her attempt to become the youngest person to sail solo around the world, non-stop and unassisted.American teenager Abigail Sunderland, who is attempting the same journey, struck trouble...

RICHMOND – Families are struggling more than ever to pay their bills during the current economic crisis. So payday lenders have sprouted up to serve people who want quick loans and checks cashed. But what do these lenders really cost people and society? Read more: Bills put limits on payday loans (The Virginia Gazette)

MUMBAI, Feb 2 (Reuters) – India’s central bank said on Tuesday it sold 10-year state loans for seven states amounting to 58.24 billion rupees as against a notified amount of 52.88 billion rupees. Read the original post: India cbank sells state loans for 58.24 bln rupees (Reuters via Yahoo! Philippines News)

BUSINESS groups are keeping a watch on the major banks amid concern that they will try to raise rates on small business loans in the coming month. See the original post: Business loans under watch (Herald Sun)