Savers might face bonus cuts - 2004-01-13
Life insurer Norwich Union disclosed mixed fortunes for long-term savers, cutting bonuses on some policies but keeping them on others.

During 2003 Norwich Union warned 39% of its endowment policyholders that the maturity value of their investment would not be high enough to pay off their mortgage, while 48% were told it would probably not be high enough.
Read the full story at Ananova

Banks face challenges, says Fitch - 2004-01-13
Australian banks have challenges in maintaining their recently robust financial performance as home lending and consumption are likely cool down towards the end of 2004, according to Fitch Ratings.

The agency reviewed various stress tests on mortgage portfolios conducted by the banks and the Australia Prudential Regulation Authority and the general conclusion is that significant loan losses are unlikely even in an extreme housing downturn.
Read the full story at Sydney Morning Herald