Credit cards on the outer; Petrol on the rise

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Credit card lending; Weekly Petrol Price Credit card balances are growing at the slowest annual pace in 16 months. The average credit card balance in January was up just 0.8... Read more continue reading

The likely economic/financial impact of Japan’s earthquake

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Key points The Japanese earthquake has caused terrible human suffering. In terms of the economic impact, in the short term it will likely depress Japan’s economy as a result of... Read more continue reading

China: Food inflation remains high

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Chinese economic data Inflation prints above forecast. China’s annual inflation rate held steady in February at 4.9 per cent, but was above expectations centred on a result near 4.8 per... Read more continue reading

Slow motion market recovery ahead, says Russell chief investment strategist

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Warns investors on over-optimism Predicting high single to low double digit global returns Russell Investments is expecting a slow motion market recovery, according to its March 2011 market commentary. Andrew... Read more continue reading

AMP Capital hires COO to European infrastructure team

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AMP Capital Investors today named Simon Ellis as Chief Operating Officer, Infrastructure – Europe. In his role, Mr Ellis will be responsible for key infrastructure operational matters for AMP Capital’s... Read more continue reading

Biggest fall in jobs in 18 months

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Labour force Employment fell by 10,100 people in February – the biggest decline in 18 months (since August 2009). Economists had tipped job gains of 20,000 (range from -10,000 to... Read more continue reading

Aussie travellers ahead in new Global Airfares Index

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Global price comparisons The Centre of Asia Pacific Aviation has released new airfares data covering routes across the globe: http://www.centreforaviation.com/profiles/airports/ (select airport, then click Fares and select route). CommSec has... Read more continue reading

Investor Signposts: Week Beginning March 13 2011

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The big picture One of the biggest issues currently is rising food prices. Food prices began rising in the second half of 2010 and hit record highs in January. The... Read more continue reading

Russell High Dividend ETF fastest growing in Australia

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Close to $150 million under management Since its launch in May 2010, the Russell High Dividend Australian Shares ETF (ASX code RDV) has grown faster by assets under management than... Read more continue reading

The prohibitive cost of opt-in

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The cost of opt-in, estimated by Treasury and revealed in Senate Estimate hearings late last month, will effectively add around $100,000 to the running costs of an ‘average’ advisory practice.... Read more continue reading