Data supports new Chinese spending plans

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Latest Chinese data has retail sales up by 13.2 per cent in the year to August (consensus 13.2 per cent); industrial production up 8.9 per cent – the weakest rate in

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Record trade surplus with China

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In the year to July, Australia’s trade surplus with China hit a record $33.66 billion. But over the same period Australia recorded a record trade deficit with the US of

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More people give up search for work

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The unemployment rate eased from 5.2 per cent to 5.1 per cent in August. The participation rate eased from 65.2 per cent to a near 6-year low of 65.0 per

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Happy 21st Birthday Australia!

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The Australian economy has just completed its 21st year of growth; the last recession ended in the June quarter of 1991. It is the longest expansion in Australia’s history. In

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Reserve Bank holds fire… for now

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The Reserve Bank Board has left the official cash rate at 3.50 per cent for the third straight month. The variable housing rate is applying modest stimulus to the economy

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Barrage of economic data

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There is a barrage of economic data coming out… Retail trade: Retail spending fell by a surprising 0.8 per cent in July after lifting by 1.2 per cent in June.

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Weakest lift in investment plans in 19 years

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New business investment rose by 3.4 per cent in the June quarter, in line with forecasts. Spending on buildings rose by 4.8 per cent in the quarter while spending on

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Profit squeeze but companies ride out storm

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There are three days left in the profit-reporting season. CommSec has assessed the results of 114 companies from the ASX 200 index that have reported full-year results to June 2012

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Home sales slump to near 11-year low

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New homes sales fell by 5.6 per cent in July, wiping out all the gains recorded over the previous five months. Sales stand at the second lowest level in 11

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Economic nirvana achieved!

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Reserve Bank Governor Testimony The Reserve Bank Governor has delivered testimony to the House of Representatives Economics Committee. The Governor says that the economy is growing close to trend or

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