One minute update: Chinese economy

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China surprisingly reported a trade surplus in February. The data shows the Chinese economy continues to strengthen with exports leading the way. What do the figures show? The Chinese trade

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Savers & borrowers cheer stable rates

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The Reserve Bank Board has left the official cash rate at 3.00 per cent for the third straight month, so both borrowers and depositors have reason to cheer another month

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Cost cutting is the new black

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Each profit reporting season CommSec tracks all the earnings results of ASX 200 companies to obtain a comprehensive picture of the aggregate health of Corporate Australia. It’s clear that the

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RBA: Comfortably on the interest rate sidelines

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Minutes of the February Reserve Bank Board meeting suggest Board members were very comfortable to keep interest rates on hold. Reserve Bank Board members discussed the improving global economic conditions

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Sharemarket lifts as dark clouds dissipate

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A stellar start to 2013…the S&P/ASX 200 has lifted by 8.3 per cent in the first 48 days of 2013. If the sharemarket keeps up this pace, it will rise

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Watchful RBA keeps open mind on rates

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  The Reserve Bank may have downgraded growth forecasts over the next year, however the accompanying commentary certainly suggests that Board Members are more comfortable than even just three months

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More jobs, fewer hours, steady jobless rate

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Employment rose by 10,400 in January after an improved result for December. In December, employment fell by 3,800 jobs, not 5,500 as previously reported. Economists had expected a 5,000 lift

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RBA exhibits quiet confidence

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The Reserve Bank Board has left the official cash rate at 3.00 per cent at its first meeting in 2013. The variable housing rate is applying modest stimulus to the

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Floods & the economy

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The floods across Queensland and northern NSW are currently estimated to cost the insurance industry around $126 million so far. And while estimates will change over time, these floods need

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Businesses cautiously optimistic

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The NAB business confidence index improved from minus 8.8 points to +2.9 points in December – the best result since July 2012. The business conditions index improved from minus 6.0

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