The deal on the so-called “fiscal cliff” and raproachment between the two Koreas provide us with further optimism on the year ahead.

There are risks – there always are. But 2012 was generally a good year. Despite all the risks, the Australian economy grew again, inflation was contained, unemployment held near 5%, sharemarket returns lifted almost 19% and home prices fell only slightly. We challenge investors to identify an advanced economy in better shape.

CommSec’s outlook provides a broad view, highlighting some risks and forecast ranges for economic and financial variables. In the past analysts have attempted the near impossible: provide point estimates for variables in a year’s time. But we believe that investors are more interested in a view or scenario about where things are headed and forecast ranges for key variables.

To read CommSec’s review of 2012 and outlook for 2013, Click Here.

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