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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Good inflation data to cheer Reserve Bank

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Inflation gauge The TD Securities-Melbourne Institute monthly inflation gauge rose by just 0.05 per cent in September – the lowest increase in 11 months – after lifting 0.2 per cent

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Housing slowdown may delay rate hike

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Trends in housing The release of the building approvals and home price data is an opportune time to focus on the latest trends in the housing market. Dwelling approvals, new

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Weekly market and economic update – 01 October 2010

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Headline developments of the past week Concerns about problems in Europe returned to the fore over the last week with Moody’s downgrading Spain’s credit rating, ongoing issues regarding Irish banks,

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Manufacturing contracts to nine-month lows

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Performance of Manufacturing The Performance of Manufacturing index fell by 4.4 points in September to a nine-month low of 47.3.  Any reading below 50 means the manufacturing sector is contracting.

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