First interest rate cut in 31 months

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The Reserve Bank Board has cut the cash rate for the first time in 31 months. The cash rate was trimmed by 25 basis points (quarter of a percent) to

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Reserve Bank employs a ‘jawboning’ strategy

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The Reserve Bank Board has left the cash rate at 4.75 per cent for the ninth straight month (covering eight formal meetings) – the most stable period for rates in

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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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Trade surplus hits seven month high

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International trade; Performance of Services Australia’s trade surplus widened by $716 million to $2,333 million in May – a seven month high. Exports rose 3.2 per cent with imports up

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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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Weekly market & economic update

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Headline developments of the past week The past week has seen some good news on the Greek debt front with the Greek Government surviving a parliamentary confidence vote, the EU

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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: Petrol set to fall as global oil price slides

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Weekly petrol prices According to the Australian Institute of Petroleum, the national average Australian price of unleaded petrol rose by 1.1 cents per litre to 140.2 cents a litre in

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Principal Global Investors’ End of Financial Year Central Bank Watch

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Principal Global Investors releases its Central Bank Watch, covering current and expected interest rate policy at the Reserve Bank of Australia, Federal Reserve, Bank of England, European Central Bank, Bank

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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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