Australian CPI lower than expected
Despite a decrease in Australian consumer inflation last quarter, the Reserve Bank remains concerned about the persistent rise in costs across the economy.
Federal Budget 2023-24
In a challenging economic climate that has seen many Australians grappling with pressure from rising interest rates and living costs, Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers has handed down the 2023-24 Federal Budget.
What you need to know about the Global Banking Market
Two US banks collapse and one of Europe’s largest banks is bailed out – what does this mean for the banking system and markets?
Encouraging Signs Inflation is Cooling
While the 0.5% growth figure for the December quarter and 2.7% estimate for all of 2022 was on forecast, a tantalising piece of economic data is the sharp month on month fall in inflation in January.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics monthly inflation indicator came in at 7.4%, down noticeably from the surprise 8.4% reading in December, the first clear indication that we have seen of those pressures easing in the current bout of inflationary conditions.
RBA slow and steady with the rates
Earlier this week the RBA Board increased the cash rate by 0.25% to 3.35% – the ninth consecutive increase since it began raising rates in May last year from a record low of 0.1%.
For a well anticipated decision and commentary from the central bank, markets went all funny – the ASX 200 fell 42 points in a matter of minutes and ended the day off nearly 35 points.
How to Build a Solid Investment Strategy
Confidence sells. Unfortunately, when it relates to the future it is normally unwarranted.
Mark Twain phrased it better than most; “It ain’t what you don’t know that gets you into trouble, it’s what you know for sure that just ain’t so”.
Federal Budget 2022-23
The Labor Government’s Tuesday night budget offered little in the way of surprises, formally announcing several proposals aimed at relieving the mounting expense pressures on families and enhancing existing policies aimed at affordable housing.
The acceleration of consumer price inflation: a market update
Consumer price inflation is accelerating in the USA, Europe, and Australia, due mainly to factors beyond the influence of central bank monetary policies. Nevertheless, central banks are responding by rapidly increasing short-term cash rates.
Have you prepared for higher interest rates?
Reserve Bank Governor Philip Lowe warns it is unclear just how high interest rates will go, and suggests Australians should prepare accordingly. Is your portfolio built to weather this new environment?
No, we are not about to return to 1970s-style inflation
The current inflation surge rests on a few moving pieces but is mostly cyclical — and central banks have both the ability and willingness to address the problem at hand.