The latest ASB survey shows there is improvement in confidence in the markets – a bit of a surprise considering what is happening in the global markets.

The Australian domestic market is focused on the Z Energy bond issue with the interest rate their fixed rate bond issue at 6.50 per cent per annum.

It opened on July 18 and closing date for this bond is August 10.

The United States stock market is performing decently driven by bank returns with JP Morgan recording record earnings despite its recent trading loss.

This is driven by mortgages, which shows an improvement in the US housing market.