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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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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Weekly market & economic update – 22 October 2010

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Headline developments of the past week The focus over the past week was on China which undertook a surprise 0.25% increase in benchmark lending and deposit rates. This caused a

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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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Weekly Market & Economic Update, 15 October 2010

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Headline developments of the past week After 28 years in the dogbox on the back of falling commodity prices and poor economic management the Australian dollar spiked above parity against

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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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Weekly market & economic update Friday 08 October 2010

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Headline developments of the past week The Reserve Bank of Australia surprised many by leaving interest rates on hold, but it made it quite clear that it retains a tightening

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Healthy trade; petrol prices to creep higher

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International trade; Job advertisements; Petrol price The trade surplus widened in August. The trade surplus rose by $603 million to $2,346 million. Exports fell by 2.4 per cent while imports

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