Sighs of relief on Chinese data

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Chinese economic data was in line or above expectations. The Chinese economy grew at a 7.4 per cent annual rate in the September quarter (consensus 7.4 per cent) down from... Read more continue reading

RBA justifies rate cut

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The latest Reserve Bank Board minutes suggests that the decision to cut interest rates in October was more to boost confidence rather than to address any significant structural downturn. The... Read more continue reading

Weekly economic & market update

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The correction in global share markets that got underway in mid-September has resumed over the last week. This has been fuelled by the failure of the US share market to break... Read more continue reading

Underlying strength in volatile job data

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Employment rose by 14,500 in September after a revised loss of 9,100 jobs in August (previously -8,800). Economists had expected 5,000 jobs to be added. In September, full-time jobs rose... Read more continue reading

Ho hum consumers: Should the RBA be worried?

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The Westpac/Melbourne Institute index of consumer confidence rose by 1.0 per cent in October to a reading of 99.2. Sentiment levels are up 2.0 per cent on a year ago.... Read more continue reading

Not keen to hire: Job advertisements at 32mth low

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Bad news for job seekers – the number of job advertisements fell for the sixth straight month, dropping by 2.8 per cent in September to stand 10.8 per cent lower... Read more continue reading

Online domestic retailers fight back

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Commonwealth Bank Equity Research Analysts have analysed the spending habits of two million CBA customers through the bank’s credit and debit card facilities. CBA cards data indicates growth in total... Read more continue reading

Weekly market & economic update

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Uncertainty continues regarding Spain and Greece. Spain is resisting applying for assistance for several reasons, including national pride, upcoming regional elections and the fact that 2 year borrowing costs remain... Read more continue reading

Rate cut: Will it help or hurt?

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The Reserve Bank Board has cut the official cash rate by 25 basis points (quarter of a per cent) to 3.25 per cent. The Bank cited global factors as justifying... Read more continue reading

Low inflation keeps door open for rate cut

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The TD Securities-Melbourne Institute monthly inflation gauge rose by 0.2 per cent in September after lifting by 0.6 per cent in August. Excluding volatile items, the inflation gauge was unchanged... Read more continue reading