Weekly economic & market update

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The past week saw a bit of volatility return to risk trades early in the week on worries that China’s 7.5% growth target for this year is too low, uncertainty... Read more continue reading

Economy limping, not leaping, into 2012

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We should never forget that the economic growth data is ancient history. The Reserve Bank sets monetary policy by looking forward, not back. And in terms of published economic data,... Read more continue reading

Reserve Bank acknowledges pain in community

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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

Profits barely budge in 2011 while inflation is subdued

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Company profits slumped by 6.5 per cent in the December quarter to stand 2.2 per cent higher than a year ago. In 2011 profits rose by just 2.1 per cent... Read more continue reading

Oliver’s Insights: will the world slip up on oil again?

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World oil prices are rising again. Since its low last October, US West Texas Intermediate is up 40% and Asian Tapis oil prices (which drives Australian petrol prices) are up... Read more continue reading

RBA Testimony conveys confidence in domestic economy

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The Reserve Bank Governor has delivered the clearest message yet that the Central Bank has a strong degree of confidence in the outlook for the domestic economy. The tone and... Read more continue reading

Weekly economic and market update

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Euro-zone finance ministers agreed to Greece receiving a second bailout. However, the Greek tragedy is far from over. Greece has to implement agreed policy actions, private investor haircuts need to... Read more continue reading

Wages winners & losers

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Average weekly ordinary time earnings rose by just 0.5 per cent in the December quarter with private sector wages up 0.4 per cent and public sector wages up 0.7 per... Read more continue reading

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