COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE. Jan. 26, Evening.

Otago Witness, Issue 642, 19 March 1864, Page 16

COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE. Jan. 26, Evening.

The unsettled state of the cotton market, and large monetary accommodation received by the Bank of France from London, again raised the rate of discount to 8 per cent. Notwithstanding the continued drafts on the stock of bullion, confidence remains unimpaired. Trade is good, and commercial credit sound. Consols, 90| for delivery, and 90J for account. Colonial Government Securities — New South Wales Five per Cents., 1806 to 1892, 100; Victorian Six per Cents, January and July, 106 ; do., April and October, 111; Queensland Six per Cents., January and July, 108 ; New Zealand Six per Cents., 108 ; South Australian Six per Cents., January and July, 108.

Exports. — To Melbourne and Geelong, £527,185, against £534,856 in previous month; decrease, £7,671. To Sydney, £279,879, against £322,056 in the previous month; decrease, £42,177. To Adelaide, the exports shew a decrease for the month of £22,000 ; and there is a decrease in the month's exports to Hobarf; Town of £15,913. The New Zealand exports show a decrease of £82,438 for the month.

London Wool Report. — Markets and sales very quiet. The demand is very limited. Sydney fleece and scoured wools in demand for the Continent. Prices are firm, and a better market is looked for next month. Thejhigh rates of money produce great caution, and the uncertainty of the Denmark affair has an injurious effect on the northern markets. Orders are being given with less freedom. The Union Bank of Australia's profits for the past half-year are £86,178. The half-yearly dividend is 8 per cent. The directors intend offering for sale in London L 150,000 worth of Six per Cent. Queensland Debentures, and L 50,000 of Canterbury Debentures. Another loan for Otago is also announced. The English, Scottish, and Australian Chartered Bank's profits for the half year are L 25,627. The dividend is six per cent. The directors intend opening a branch in Adelaide. A call of Ll per share has been made by the Bank of Otago, due on the 15th February. The Board of Trade returns for November show a remarkable increase in the export trade.

Produce Markets. — Hides — All good qualities of Australian command ready sales at firm prices. For skins, horns, and bones, no inquiries. Spirits — British advanced to 11s lOd. ~A good business has been done in finest sherries.