The Australian Financial Review --- Page: 1/18 : 2 January 2007 Original article by Nina Wan
ABIX Summary
The 12-month gain of the S&P/ASX 200 index in 2006 was far superior to predictions in late 2005. Following a 22.8 per cent jump in 2004, and a 17.6 per cent increase in 2005, the benchmark index gained 19 per cent to a record 5,669.9. Although there are few stock analysts tipping a further double-digit return in 2007, sentiment is expected to remain positive with rumours, plus actual activity, in mergers and acquisitions. Meanwhile, Australia's Treasury Department has forecast that world GDP growth will be 4.75 per cent, compared with 5.25 per cent in 2006.
