Inflation surprise: rates now in focus

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The main measure of inflation in Australia – the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 0.9 per cent in the June quarter, above economist expectations focussed on an increase of

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RBA mulls over multi-speed economy

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The latest Reserve Bank minutes revealed that Board members remain generally optimistic about the medium term outlook, but in the near term the domestic economy seems to be facing some

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Investor Signposts: Week Beginning July 10 2011

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The big picture Confused about where the economy is heading? You’re in good company, with the boffins from the Reserve Bank also seemingly scratching their collective heads about where things

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Reserve Bank discovers its dovish side

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Reserve Bank Board meeting The Reserve Bank Board has left the cash rate at 4.75 per cent for the eighth straight month (covering seven formal meetings). The next meeting is

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Investor Signposts: Week Beginning July 3 2011

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Upcoming economic and financial market events The big picture Our central view is that the US economy is undergoing a mid-cycle pause and that growth will start to lift again

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CommSec: Population growth hits 5-year low and cash is now king

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Demographic data; Financial Accounts Australia’s population grew by 69,703 people over the December quarter to 22,477,378. Annual population growth slowed from 1.57 per cent to 1.47 per cent – the

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CommSec: Improved conditions for retailers

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CBA Business Spending Index There appears light in the tunnel for retailers. A key measure of economy-wide spending is now edging slightly higher after contracting for most of the past

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CommSec: Lending near 5-year low; Credit cards shunned

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Lending finance; Credit & debit card statistics Lending slides again. Total lending finance fell for the third time in four months, dropping by 3.8 per cent in April to near

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CommSec: Home loans rise but investors stay clear

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Housing finance The number of new owner-occupier housing loans rose by 4.8 per cent in April after falling by 1.1 per cent in March. The number of loans is 3.1

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CommSec: Aussies go on a health kick; exports reliant on China

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Retail trade; International trade Retail spending grew by 1.1 per cent in April after falling by 0.3 per cent in March. The lift in sales was driven by increased spending

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