Unemployment 2017: Winners and losers

From

Labour Force Regional unemployment: Unemployment rates vary significantly across regional Australia. Remote regions of the country such as Outback Queensland had the highest unemployment rate of 12.8 per cent in December.... Read more continue reading

Oliver’s Insights: 2018 – a list of lists regarding the macro investment outlook

From

Introduction Although 2017 saw the usual worry list – around President Trump, elections in Europe, China, North Korea and Australian property – it was good for investors. Balanced super funds... Read more continue reading

US administration partial shutdown marks the first in the country’s history

From

The US administration’s partial shutdown marks a first in the country’s history: this is the first time that we have witnessed this type of situation when the same party occupies... Read more continue reading

Thoughts on the week ahead Michael Ford – for week commencing January 22, 2018

From

US earnings, German politics and the ECB meeting are all in focus This is a busy week for US earnings, with 20% of S&P 500 Index market capitalisation reporting and... Read more continue reading

Household debt hits 200%; house prices sliding

From

Total Household Debt restated upwards to 200% of disposable income In recent weeks there have been a number of data points which highlight the pressures facing the household sector. Household... Read more continue reading

First home buyers return; record building work

From

Consumer confidence, Housing finance, Building activity Consumer confidence: The Westpac/Melbourne Institute survey of consumer sentiment rose by 1.8 per cent in January – a 4-year high. The index now stands... Read more continue reading

Confident consumers; luxury cars retreat

From

New vehicle sales; Consumer sentiment Consumer confidence: The weekly ANZ/Roy Morgan consumer confidence rating rose by 1.2 per cent to 123.5 last week – the highest level in four years and... Read more continue reading

Debit card growth the strongest in 4½ years

From

Credit cards Credit cards: The average credit card balance rose by $65.90 to $3,127.70 in November – the largest monthly increase in 12 months. However, the smoothed annual growth rate of... Read more continue reading

The Fed hikes again, still gradual but likely to be a bit faster next year – implications for investors and Australia

From

Key points The Fed has raised interest rates for the fifth time since first raising rates this cycle two years ago, taking the Fed Funds rate from a range of... Read more continue reading

2018 Global and local economic outlook

From

The global economy is on course for its best year since 2010 as GDP in both the U.S. and the Eurozone is now expected to grow more rapidly than had been... Read more continue reading