Barrage of economic data

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There is a barrage of economic data coming out… Retail trade: Retail spending fell by a surprising 0.8 per cent in July after lifting by 1.2 per cent in June.

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Reserve Bank happy to sit on the sidelines

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The Reserve Bank has released minutes of the Board meeting held on August 7. Overall it is clear that the Reserve Bank is currently happy with interest rate settings. Inflation

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Jobs rebound yet outlook still murky

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Employment rose by 14,000 in July after a revised fall of 28,300 in June (previously 27,000). Economists had expected 10,000 jobs to be added. In July part-time jobs rose by

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Reserve Bank exhibits quiet confidence

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The Reserve Bank Board has left the official cash rate at 3.50 per cent for the second straight month. The variable housing rate is applying modest stimulus to the economy

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Weekly economic & market update

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Both the Fed and the ECB disappointed markets with a lack of immediate action. However, both promise of action to come if needed, so its not nearly as bad as

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Solid improvement in Federal Budget

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The underlying budget deficit for the twelve months to May stood at $34.1 billion – the lowest result in almost three years (33 months). The deficit has improved by 45

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The truth about the economy & optimism on China

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An upbeat Reserve Bank Governor Glenn Stevens delivered a speech “The Lucky Country” – in the question & answer session, the Governor reportedly said that monetary policy settings are about

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RBA maintains holding pattern, inflation the key

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The latest Reserve Bank Board minutes confirms that the decision to leave rates on hold in July was largely due to a modest improvement in economic conditions and also given

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Reserve Bank maintains a watching brief

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The Reserve Bank Board left the official cash rate on hold at 3.50 per cent. The cash rate is at the lowest level in 2½ years (December 2009). The next

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Europe the driver behind “finely balanced” rate cut

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The decision to follow up the half a per cent rate cut in May with another quarter of a per cent cut in June was not as clear cut as

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