Inflation surprise: rates now in focus

From

The main measure of inflation in Australia – the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 0.9 per cent in the June quarter, above economist expectations focussed on an increase of... Read more continue reading

RBA mulls over multi-speed economy

From

The latest Reserve Bank minutes revealed that Board members remain generally optimistic about the medium term outlook, but in the near term the domestic economy seems to be facing some... Read more continue reading

Principal Global Investors Central Bank Research July 2011

From

Principal Global Investors’ Central Bank Research for July 2011 examines current and expected interest rate policy at the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), U.S. Federal Reserve, Bank of England, European... Read more continue reading

New Carbon Tax: More or less certainty?

From

Details on proposed Carbon Tax The Federal Government has proposed a new tax on carbon emissions of $23 a tonne to apply to 500 of the biggest corporate emitters from... Read more continue reading

Investor Signposts: Week Beginning July 10 2011

From

The big picture Confused about where the economy is heading? You’re in good company, with the boffins from the Reserve Bank also seemingly scratching their collective heads about where things... Read more continue reading

CommSec: Unemployment rate is a good indicator of job market health

From

Labour force The unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.9 per cent in June. The participation rate edged up from 65.5 per cent to 65.6 per cent. The working age population... Read more continue reading

Trade surplus hits seven month high

From

International trade; Performance of Services Australia’s trade surplus widened by $716 million to $2,333 million in May – a seven month high. Exports rose 3.2 per cent with imports up... Read more continue reading

Reserve Bank discovers its dovish side

From

Reserve Bank Board meeting The Reserve Bank Board has left the cash rate at 4.75 per cent for the eighth straight month (covering seven formal meetings). The next meeting is... Read more continue reading

Investor Signposts: Week Beginning July 3 2011

From

Upcoming economic and financial market events The big picture Our central view is that the US economy is undergoing a mid-cycle pause and that growth will start to lift again... Read more continue reading

CommSec: Population growth hits 5-year low and cash is now king

From

Demographic data; Financial Accounts Australia’s population grew by 69,703 people over the December quarter to 22,477,378. Annual population growth slowed from 1.57 per cent to 1.47 per cent – the... Read more continue reading