US inflation: of known and unknown unknowns (the ghost of Donald Rumsfeld) 

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The financial commentariat seem unsure on US inflation. I think that is understandable. For months now markets have braced for an acceleration of inflation as a consequence of President Trump’s... Read more continue reading

China -the tariff threat, structural challenges and implications for Australia

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Key points Chinese growth is running around 5% and while threats remain high – with the property downturn and tariffs – policy stimulus is likely to be enough to keep... Read more continue reading

June CPI data shows trade impacts materialising

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The June CPI report came in as expected, bringing the annual headline increase to 2.7%, a tick-up from last month’s 2.4% reading. Meanwhile, core inflation rose 2.9%, softer-than-expected for the... Read more continue reading

Seven key charts for investors to keep an eye on

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Key points The first half of this year saw good returns, but they were interrupted by a correction into April thanks to US tariffs. We remain upbeat on a 12-month... Read more continue reading

RBA shocks markets with hold amid easing conditions and asset surge

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The RBA clearly wrong-footed financial markets and economists yesterday by electing to keep interest rates unchanged. Only five of the 32 people surveyed by Bloomberg expected the RBA to remain... Read more continue reading

Weekly economic and market update – week ending 4 July, 2025

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Investment markets and key developments Another week of record highs in shares. Share markets mostly pushed higher over the last week, with US shares rising 1.7% to a record high... Read more continue reading

2024-25 saw strong investment returns yet again – but is it sustainable?

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Key points While recession fears, worries about US tariffs and war with Iran resulted in volatility, 2024-25 saw another financial year of strong returns helped by central bank rate cuts,... Read more continue reading

Weekly economic and market update – week ending 27 June, 2025

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Investment markets and key developments Middle East oil crisis averted so oil down but shares up to near record highs. While the past week started with uncertainty as to how... Read more continue reading

Five charts on investing to keep in mind in uncertain times like now

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Key points The US intervention in the war with Iran has substantially increased the risk of disruption to global oil supplies and a deeper impact on share markets. But predicting... Read more continue reading

Weekly economic and market update – week ending 20 June, 2025

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Investment markets and key developments Share markets were mixed over the last week as the escalating Israel/Iran war, with rising signs that the US may join in risking a disruption... Read more continue reading