Thailand May Encourage Banks to Merge to Increase Competitiveness - 2004-01-05
Thailand's Cabinet tomorrow may okay a plan to encourage banks and financial institutions to merge to help lenders such as Krung Thai Bank Pcl increase competitiveness and boost lending.

The plan also aims to force finance companies and mortgage lenders to merge with banks. Banks will also have to choose whether they want to offer a full range of services or specialize in a restricted field such as lending to small companies.
Read the full story at Bloomberg

Australian Building Approvals Decreased 5% - 2004-01-05
Australian building approvals probably dropped for the first month in three in November because of a decrease in approvals for high-rise apartments.

The Reserve Bank of Australia increased interest rates in each of the past two months partly to stem a surge in borrowing to buy homes, which has fueled house prices. That may slow demand for apartments and houses this year.
Read the full story at Bloomberg