Cash is still king

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Australian companies are continuing to hold more money in liquid cash and deposits than ever before. Just under half of financial assets at private sector companies are held in cash

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Hopes for a lift in Aussie spending

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A measure of economy-wide spending posted solid growth in seasonally adjusted terms in May, raising hopes that rate cuts may lift activity in the retail sector. The Commonwealth Bank Business

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Europe the driver behind “finely balanced” rate cut

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The decision to follow up the half a per cent rate cut in May with another quarter of a per cent cut in June was not as clear cut as

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Biggest job gains in 18 months

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Over the three months to May, employment across Australia rose by 60,400 – the best quarterly jobs growth since the three months to November 2010. What does it all mean?

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Property back in favour, while personal finance outlook down

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In the latest survey concerning the wisest places to put new savings, 25 per cent of respondents said “real estate”, up sharply from just over 18 per cent in the

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Consumers’ cautious optimism

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The Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence Rating rose by 1.8 points last week to 110.8 points. The survey is the first to cover the June rate cut and the latest economic

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Economic trends: The New Age Aussie Consumer

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Consumers have had to make choices in recent times. Housing purchase, rent and utilities have become more expensive; some goods and services like cars, mobile phones & internet, furniture and

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Jobs: The good news keeps on coming

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Employment rose by 38,900 in May after rising by a revised 7,100 (previously 15,500 in April). Economists had expected a flat result. Full time jobs the key: In May part-time

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Mining states propel growth to a five year high

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Just three of the 19 industry sectors contracted in the March quarter. Modest contributions to growth came from mining, financial &insurance services and professional & scientific services, while the manufacturing

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Reserve Bank opts for actions over words

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The Reserve Bank Board cut the official cash rate by 25 basis points (quarter of a percentage point) to 3.50 per cent. The cash rate is at the lowest level

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