Commentary on North Korea – markets developing ‘Kim-fatigue’

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“The most likely scenario for U.S./North Korea relations remains an uneasy status quo. First, outright military conflict seems unlikely. North Korea will continue to irritate the US and Asian allies... Read more continue reading

RBA policy suggests mining slump is over, says Principal Global Investors 

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Global economic engine is chugging along “The synchronised global economic expansion now underway is the latest in a series of transitions the world economy has recently experienced. In 2015, the world... Read more continue reading

Australia, the lucky country (or is it?)

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Has Australia dodged another recession bullet? Since 2012, one of Australia’s biggest economic threats has been the collapse in mining investment. It was the associated capex boom pre- and post-GFC... Read more continue reading

Global market and economic review

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The market ended last week in a cautious mood, with Florida in a state of emergency due to Hurricane Irma and the continued fears that North Korea would carry out... Read more continue reading

Why is 2% inflation considered a good thing?

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It has been a decade since the start of the financial crisis, and the low levels of inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) continue to disappoint both... Read more continue reading

Alpha Plus Fund monthly commentary

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Outlook Markets continue to be driven by easy monetary conditions globally. Low interest rates are creating reasonably benign economic conditions with steady but unspectacular growth helping to narrow output gaps... Read more continue reading

Jobs bonanza: Quarter of a million jobs added

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Labour force; China data; Airfares Employment rose for the 11th straight month, up by 54,200 in August after rising by 29,200 in July (previously reported as a rise of 27,900... Read more continue reading

Widening gap between income & spending

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Household income, wealth & expenditure Rich Australia: The Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has released a barrage covering the finances and spending patterns of Aussie families. Wealth continues to soar –... Read more continue reading

Real estate sentiment at 44-year low

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Consumer Confidence Consumer confidence: The Westpac/Melbourne Institute survey of consumer sentiment rose by 2.5 per cent to a 4-month high of 97.9 in September. The confidence index is down 4.4... Read more continue reading

Australia no longer the cheapest: CommSec iPad/iPhone indexes

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Economic trends Is the Aussie dollar too strong? According to CommSec iPhone index Australia is now the 25th cheapest country in the world (of 57 nations) to buy an Apple iPhone... Read more continue reading