House prices take a breather over September

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RP Data‑Rismark report that Australian dwelling prices rose by a small 0.1% over September.  Annual growth eased to 9.3%. Dwelling prices growth has been strongest in Australia’s two largest capital

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What is needed to drive consumer spending?

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Real wages growth will remain low while the labour market is weak.  Real household disposable income growth will continue to run at a below‑average pace and therefore act as a

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RBA Board Minutes – September 2014

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The RBA maintained its guidance that “the most prudent course was likely to be a period of stability in rates”. The tone was in line with previous Board minutes, but

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RBA Governor says growth could be higher. It’s not just about interest rates

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RBA Governor’s Testimony – August 2014 The Governor’s opening statement forecast that growth of 2‑3%pa is the most likely outcome for 2014/15 and inflation to remain consistent with the 2%

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CBA Economics: RBA maintains stable cash rate outlook.

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RBA Board Minutes – August 2014 The RBA maintained its guidance that “the most prudent course was likely to be a period of stability in rates”. The tone was in

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No signs of Budget fears in May credit data

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Housing credit lifted by 0.5% and is running at 6.2% over the year.  Investor housing credit rose by 0.8% (8.3%pa) and owner‑occupied credit increased by 0.4% (5.2%pa). Business credit increased

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June RBA Board minutes more dated than usual

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RBA Board Minutes – June 2014 There was no change to the RBA’s guidance about a period of stability in rate settings continuing. The June Board minutes look a bit

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Consument sentiment still being impacted by negativity around the Federal Budget

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Consumer Sentiment – June Consumer sentiment rose by a small 0.2% in June but is 8.8% below year its year ago level Confidence is still being adversely impacted by the

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Perspective: The week ahead

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The ECB cut rates and introduced aggressive expansionary measures to lift EZ growth. The US payrolls data tonight will likely set the tone for markets next week. The US and

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Residential construction (finally) takes off

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Construction Work Done – QI 2014 The volume of construction work done rose by 0.3% in QI.  It is 2.6% higher through the year. Residential construction surged by 6.8% while

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