The CommSec 30/40/50 project

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Many Australian consumers complain about the high cost of living. But more than likely you would hear the same complaint if you went back 30 years ago or even 50... Read more continue reading

Greece & Europe – what’s the risk of a break up?

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Logic argues against a euro-zone break up given the costs to countries that exit. Nevertheless, a disorderly Greek default is a high risk, but at least Europe is becoming being... Read more continue reading

Weekly economic & market update

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The “yes we have a deal no we don’t” regarding Greece’s latest bailout negotiations raged on again over the last week, resulting in a volatile ride for risk assets like... Read more continue reading

More jobs but outlook still murky

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Employment rose by 46,300 in January after a revised 35,700 fall in December (previously reported as a 29,300 decline). Economists had expected a 10,000 lift in jobs. Healthy mix in... Read more continue reading

Confidence levels pick up

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The Westpac/Melbourne Institute index of consumer confidence rose by 4.1 per cent in February to a reading of 101.1. Sentiment levels are still down 5.2 per cent on a year... Read more continue reading

Record number of firms shun finance

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The NAB business confidence index rose from +3.1 to +4.0 in January, below the long-run average of +6.4.  Business conditions improved from +0.1 to +2.1, below the long-run average of... Read more continue reading

Rate cuts still likely as RBA downgrades growth

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The Reserve Bank has not ruled out further interest rate cuts. Near term growth and inflation forecast have been downgraded, albeit mildly while the central bank remains optimistic about the... Read more continue reading

Interest rates on hold – for now anyway

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The Reserve Bank Board has left official rates at 4.25 per cent. Last year the Reserve Bank cut rates at both the November and December meetings, each by 25 basis... Read more continue reading

Weekly market & economic update

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The key development over the last week was that manufacturing business conditions indicators, or PMIs, in the US, Europe, Japan, China, India and even Australia all rose in January providing... Read more continue reading

Seasonal businesses blow hot & cold

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Seasonal businesses rely on ‘normal’ weather conditions. In simple terms, in summer it needs to be hot and in winter in needs to be cold. But for those businesses relying... Read more continue reading