Consumer bonanza as import prices fall

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Import & export prices Prices of imported goods slumped by 3.8 per cent in the December quarter, driven largely by the appreciation of the Australian dollar. Import prices are 1.0

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The implications of the floods for Australia

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Key points Like the fires of two years ago the floods have wrought terrible tragedy in terms of loss of life and disruption to people’s lives. Beyond the human suffering

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Investor Signposts: Week Beginning January 23 2011

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The big picture In general, investors find it an easy task to work out how the Australian sharemarket is performing. It is merely a case of looking at a benchmark

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Young workers miss out in job stakes

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Latest economic news There were fewer young Australians with jobs at the end of 2010 than a year earlier. Employment for those aged between 15-19 years actually fell by 6,100

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Significant uncertainty ahead for investors after Queensland floods

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Insurance, transport and retail worst sectors hit The Australian insurance sector is one of a number of sectors that faces a significantly uncertain outlook following the devastating Queensland floods, according

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China: Robust growth and inflation moderates

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Chinese economic data Chinese economic activity picked up pace in the last three months of the year. The Chinese economy grew at a 9.8 per cent annual rate in the

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Floods disaster dents confidence

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Consumer sentiment The Westpac/Melbourne Institute index of consumer confidence fell sharply in the latest month as the flood disaster in Queensland impacted sentiment. The index fell by 5.7 per cent

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Financial Services Council welcomes Investor Manager Regime

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John Brogden, CEO of the Financial Services Council, today welcomed the Federal Government’s changes to the income tax treatment of investment income of foreign funds. “The Investment Manager Regime was

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Corporate governance focus on the power of Proxy Advisers

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The global proxy advisory industry has evolved considerably over the last 25 years, with proxy advisers growing in influence and many are increasingly questioning their mounting power in setting the

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Financial Services Council welcomes Investment Manager Regime

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John Brogden, CEO of the Financial Services Council, today welcomed the Federal Government’s changes to the income tax treatment of investment income of foreign funds. “The Investment Manager Regime was

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