Global equity market recap – quarter 1

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Global equity investors enjoyed strong, broad-based gains during the first quarter of 2012. The Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500 rose 12.6%, its best first-quarter rally since 1998. International markets, represented... Read more continue reading

China achieves soft landing, now for the recovery

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Chinese economic data was weaker than expected; the Chinese economy grew at an 8.1 per cent annual rate in the March quarter (consensus 8.4 per cent) down from 8.9 per... Read more continue reading

What’s next for global equities?

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Last year was a tough one for global economic growth and markets. I think we’re starting to see the early signs of at least the US economy turning a corner. ... Read more continue reading

Weekly economic & market update

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The past week saw volatility return in a big way to investment markets. Initially share markets fell sharply in response to the poor US non-farm payroll release and intensifying concerns... Read more continue reading

More jobs, but outlook still murky

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Employment rose by 44,000 in March after falling by 15,400 in February; economists had expected a 7,000 lift in jobs. Healthy mix in jobs: In March part-time jobs rose by... Read more continue reading

ASX Monthly ETF report – March 2012

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During March 2012, 7 new ETFs were quoted – the largest monthly issuance of ETFs since October / November 2007. Six of the new ETFs covered fixed income and were... Read more continue reading

The Asian G7 & the pursuit of luxury

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Economic power is shifting from the old Group of Seven nations (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK and the US) to the new Asian G7 (China, Hong Kong, India, Korea,... Read more continue reading

Weekly economic & market update

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The past week has seen a swing to “risk off” with shares, commodities and growth currencies like the $A all weak on worries about Spain capped off by a disappointing... Read more continue reading

Oliver’s Insights: should Australian super funds have more bonds?

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There has recently been much debate about whether Australian super funds have too much in shares and not enough in bonds. The basic argument is that compared to other major... Read more continue reading

Rate cut on the agenda, inflation to be the deciding factor

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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