Reserve Bank takes a punt

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Reserve Bank Board meeting For the first time in six months the Reserve Bank has elected to increase official interest rates, lifting the cash rate by 25 basis points to

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QE2 not fazing investors

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“Print, baby, print” echoes the chorus of economists, investors and currency speculators worldwide. The strong possibility the US will create more money out of thin air has led to a

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Weekly market & economic update: 29 October 2010

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Headline developments of the past week US GDP grew an annualised 2% in the September quarter, which was right in line with market expectations. Clearly the US economy has not

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Investor Signposts: Week Beginning October 31 2010

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The big picture Here’s a scary thought – 2010 is almost over, with just over two months to go to the end of the year. So it is opportune to

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The new age of consumer thrift

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Key points The GFC has ushered in a period of more cautious consumers in the US and to a lesser extent in Australia. Household savings rates are likely to be

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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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Top Five Questions Investors Ask

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The GFC and subsequent volatility has increased the number of market presentations my team and I have been asked to do for the clients of financial planners. I thought you’d

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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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Asian and Australian bond markets hold strong opportunities for investors, Western Asset says

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‘Kangaroo effect’ sees Australia as destination of choice for foreign issuers Asian bonds more attractive as governments put their houses in order As fears of a sell-out of fixed interest

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Fund managers say Aussie sharemarket is no longer overvalued: Russell survey

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Australian fund managers more wary of global concerns than their US counterparts Opportunities exist in resources sector but managers cold on Telcos Now could be a good time to get

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