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• Sentiment Ruined by Moody's Downgrade, Weak US Data and Upcoming Greek Election
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• BHP 100% Rate It

Although the 2013 federal election in Australia is still months away, politicians in the country are definitely paving the way for their party's victory this early. Signs of early political campaigns include promises and criticisms of other political parties in a bid to get the sympathy of voters.

On Wednesday, Coalition leader Tony Abbott sought a written assurance from Prime Minister Julia Gillard that the federal government would permanently exempt copper, gold and uranium from the mining tax set to be collected beginning July 1. He asked for the assurance because Mr Abbott said the threat of more taxes and the higher cost of doing business are preventing BHP Billiton ( BHP ) from pushing through with its $30-billion Olympic Dam expansion plans.

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