Budget deficit soars to record high

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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

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Investor Signposts: Week Beginning October 31 2010

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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

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Deflation reigns: Bonanza for consumers

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Consumer Prices There are more goods falling in price currently than at any time over the past decade. In the June quarter 33 items were cheaper than a year ago

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Inflation: Another beautiful set of numbers

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Consumer Price Index Australia’s main inflation measure – the consumer price index (CPI) – rose by 0.7 per cent in the September quarter, well below economist forecasts. The annual rate

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State of the States

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State & territory economic performance report How are Australia’s states and territories performing? CommSec has attempted to find out by analysing eight key indicators: economic growth; retail spending; equipment investment;

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Business inflation narrowly based

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Producer price index; Weekly petrol price The broad measure of business inflation – the producer price index (PPI) – rose by 1.3 per cent in the September quarter, well ahead

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Consumer bonanza

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Import & export prices Prices of export goods rose by a record 7.8 per cent in the September quarter, courtesy of higher coal and iron ore prices. Export prices are

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Parity! Aussie dollar hits 28-year high

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Economic trends The Aussie dollar hit parity with the US dollar – one Australian dollar equalling one US dollar – overnight. The Aussie hit US$1.0002 very briefly at 11.17pm Sydney

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Investor Signposts: Week beginning October 17 2010

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The big picture There is no doubt that there is only one game in town – one ‘hot button’ issue, if you like – and that’s quantitative easing. In essence

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Airfares rise to near 3-year highs

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Domestic Airfares When it comes to airline travel, the key message is to shop around for the best deals because airfares are creeping higher. According to the latest data from

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