Weekly market & economic update – 21 January 2011

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Headline developments An acceleration in Chinese economic growth in the December quarter to an estimated annualised pace of around 12% along with ongoing inflation worries have reinforced the case for... Read more continue reading

Consumer bonanza as import prices fall

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Import & export prices Prices of imported goods slumped by 3.8 per cent in the December quarter, driven largely by the appreciation of the Australian dollar. Import prices are 1.0... Read more continue reading

The implications of the floods for Australia

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Key points Like the fires of two years ago the floods have wrought terrible tragedy in terms of loss of life and disruption to people’s lives. Beyond the human suffering... Read more continue reading

Investor Signposts: Week Beginning January 23 2011

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The big picture In general, investors find it an easy task to work out how the Australian sharemarket is performing. It is merely a case of looking at a benchmark... Read more continue reading

Young workers miss out in job stakes

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Latest economic news There were fewer young Australians with jobs at the end of 2010 than a year earlier. Employment for those aged between 15-19 years actually fell by 6,100... Read more continue reading

Significant uncertainty ahead for investors after Queensland floods

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Insurance, transport and retail worst sectors hit The Australian insurance sector is one of a number of sectors that faces a significantly uncertain outlook following the devastating Queensland floods, according... Read more continue reading

Surging demand for conflict-free financial advice spurs growth for Paragem

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Paragem Dealer Services virtual IFA network exceeds 200 licenses Paragem Wholesale AFSL business expands to $1.2 billion FUA Ex- AMP Hillross practice, FMD Group, selects Paragem Wholesale AFSL Independent service... Read more continue reading

China: Robust growth and inflation moderates

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Chinese economic data Chinese economic activity picked up pace in the last three months of the year. The Chinese economy grew at a 9.8 per cent annual rate in the... Read more continue reading

Floods disaster dents confidence

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Consumer sentiment The Westpac/Melbourne Institute index of consumer confidence fell sharply in the latest month as the flood disaster in Queensland impacted sentiment. The index fell by 5.7 per cent... Read more continue reading

Corporate governance focus on the power of Proxy Advisers

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The global proxy advisory industry has evolved considerably over the last 25 years, with proxy advisers growing in influence and many are increasingly questioning their mounting power in setting the... Read more continue reading