The International Monetary Fund tips global economic growth to lift from 3.6 per cent in 2017 to 3.7 per cent in 2018. The key issue is whether the low growth rates of prices and wages will continue, thus prompting central banks to remain on the monetary policy sidelines. Show More
The Commonwealth Bank Business Sales Indicator (BSI) rose by 0.6% in trend terms in November after a 0.5% increase in October and 0.4% growth in September. Show More
· The seasonal slowdown in economic and financial events will be in evidence over the coming fortnight. There are few indicators that can truly be regarded as ‘top shelf’. Show More
The Reserve Bank of Australia has left the cash rate on hold for a 16th straight month. What changed since the last meeting? Show More
For the past 16 years we have produced “The Big Issues” report – a report that has sought to highlight the issues that are expected to influence the economy over the forthcoming 12 months. Show More
Monthly retail trade: Sales were largely flat in September. But sales by chain-store retailers and other large retailers rose by 0.3 per cent in September to stand 3.5 per cent higher over the year. Show More
Reserve Bank dominates the agenda: It is a quiet week for economic data in the US and Australia. The Reserve Bank dominates the key local events. Show More
Global sharemarkets were firmer in October. Media marked the 30th anniversary of the October 1987 sharemarket crash, but the news stories failed to spook investors. Major issues in focus over October include earnings results and discussion about the likelihood of President Trump getting tax cut legislation passed by Congress. There... Show More
There are two events that stand out in Australia in the coming week. The first is the minutes of the last Reserve Bank Board meeting on Tuesday. And the second is the monthly job report on Thursday. Show More
Gauges of business and consumer sentiment are in focus in the week ahead together with measures of personal lending – home loans and credit card debt. In the US, inflation and retail sales data and minutes from the past Federal Reserve meeting are the events to watch. Show More
Retail trade fell 0.6 per cent in August after a downwardly-revised fall of 0.2 per cent in July. Sales had averaged gains of 0.4 per cent a month in the previous four months. Annual sales growth fell from 3.5 per cent to 3.1 per cent. Show More
Caution: Top shelf economic data ahead Show More
To say there is a quiet week in prospect for economic data borders on under-statement – certainly a very, very quiet week lies ahead in Australia. Show More
CommSec Chief Economist Craig James takes a look at the economic events scheduled for the week ahead, including job ads, the NAB Business Survey, housing finance and US and China inflation data. Show More
CommSec Chief Economist Craig James takes a look at the economic events scheduled for the week ahead, including home prices, the RBA Board meeting and the RBA Statement on Monetary Policy. Show More
The Consumer Price Index rose by 0.2% in the June quarter, below market expectations for a lift of 0.4%. The annual rate of inflation fell from 2.1% to 1.9% - below the RBA’s target band of 2-3%. Show More
CommSec Chief Economist Craig James takes a look at the economic events scheduled for the week ahead, including the CommSec State of the States report, Australian inflation, US GDP growth and the US Federal Reserve rates meeting. Show More
EOFY Series: The Australian sharemarket Show More
Overall, the year was remarkable for being unremarkable. At least as far as the economy and financial markets performed. The year started with the fall-out from Brexit. There was a domestic election and the US Presidential election. In 2017 there has been a raft of elections in Europe. And there... Show More
CommSec Chief Economist Craig James takes a look at the economic events scheduled for the week ahead, including RBA Board Meeting, Retail Sales and International Trade data. Show More