Weekly market & economic update: 5 November 2010

From

Headline developments of the past week The contrast in global central banks was stark over the past week with those in weak countries such as the US, Japan and Europe... Read more continue reading

Investor Signposts: Week Beginning November 7 2010

From

The big picture In the past there have been a host of factors cited by the Reserve Bank to justify lifting interest rates. So what about the most recent lift... Read more continue reading

Consumers remain super-cautious on spending

From

Retail trade, International trade Retail spending grew by just 0.3 per cent in September, below expectations centred on a rise of 0.4 per cent. Non-food retailing rose by 0.4 per... Read more continue reading

Reserve Bank returns to watchful stance

From

RBA Statement on Monetary Policy; PCI The Reserve Bank has tinkered with economic growth forecasts, but the trajectory is largely unchanged. However the Reserve Bank has modestly downgraded inflation forecasts.... Read more continue reading

Biggest slide in home building in a decade

From

Latest economic data The outlook for home builders is gloomy. Council approvals to build news homes slumped by 6.6 per cent in September. Over the past six months approvals have... Read more continue reading

Reserve Bank takes a punt

From

Reserve Bank Board meeting For the first time in six months the Reserve Bank has elected to increase official interest rates, lifting the cash rate by 25 basis points to... Read more continue reading

Tame inflation; Manufacturing orders sink

From

Inflation gauge; Weekly Petrol Price, PMI, House Price Index The TD Securities-Melbourne Institute monthly inflation gauge rose by 0.3 per cent in October after lifting 0.1 per cent in September,... Read more continue reading

Weekly market & economic update: 29 October 2010

From

Headline developments of the past week US GDP grew an annualised 2% in the September quarter, which was right in line with market expectations. Clearly the US economy has not... Read more continue reading

Budget deficit soars to record high

From

Federal budget The underlying budget deficit hit a record high of $63.3 billion in the twelve months to September 2010, indicating that the Government has plenty of work to do... Read more continue reading

Investor Signposts: Week Beginning October 31 2010

From

The big picture Here’s a scary thought – 2010 is almost over, with just over two months to go to the end of the year. So it is opportune to... Read more continue reading