High Aussie dollar has led to lower interest rates

From

The Reserve Bank Governor has delivered testimony to the House of Representatives Economics Committee. The Governor says that the economy in 2012 was growing close to trend or average but... Read more continue reading

Weekly market and economic update

From

Shares were hit mid week by concerns triggered by the minutes from the last Fed meeting that it may exit quantitative easing earlier than had been thought, renewed property tightening... Read more continue reading

Wages: Winners & losers

From

Average weekly ordinary time earnings rose by 3.5 per cent in the six months to November 2012 to be 5 per cent higher than a year ago. Private sector wages... Read more continue reading

RBA: Comfortably on the interest rate sidelines

From

Minutes of the February Reserve Bank Board meeting suggest Board members were very comfortable to keep interest rates on hold. Reserve Bank Board members discussed the improving global economic conditions... Read more continue reading

Weekly economic and market update

From

The rally in shares continued over the past week with the Australian All Ordinaries index rising above the 5000 level for the first time since April 2011, helped by good... Read more continue reading

Watchful RBA keeps open mind on rates

From

  The Reserve Bank may have downgraded growth forecasts over the next year, however the accompanying commentary certainly suggests that Board Members are more comfortable than even just three months... Read more continue reading

China: A sweet set of numbers

From

China’s annual inflation rate fell from 2.5 per cent to 2.0 per cent in January, in line with forecasts for a result near 2.0 per cent. Over the month inflation... Read more continue reading

Weekly economic and market update

From

Worries about Europe have flared up again with Berlusconi gaining in the polls in Italy ahead of elections in two weeks and corruption allegations against the Spanish Prime Minister. However,... Read more continue reading

More jobs, fewer hours, steady jobless rate

From

Employment rose by 10,400 in January after an improved result for December. In December, employment fell by 3,800 jobs, not 5,500 as previously reported. Economists had expected a 5,000 lift... Read more continue reading

Retail spending: The 2012 wrap

From

Over 2012 as a whole, Australians spent $256.1 billion at retail outlets. Spending was up 3.1 per cent over 2011 – the strongest calendar-year growth in three years. The 3.1... Read more continue reading