2017 was a great year for well diversified investors – returns were solid (balanced super funds returned around 10%) and volatility was low. So optimism was high going into 2018 but it turned out to be anything but great for investors who saw poor returns (average balanced super funds look... Show More
For years now, many have told us that Australia is heading for an imminent recession. By contrast official forecasts have long been looking for several years of above trend growth. In the event neither has happened and we don’t see them happening anytime soon. Against this backdrop there are five... Show More
This week it's wage inflation, but with a particular twist. Utilizing the great indicators from the innovative economics team at the Atlanta Fed, I have built a new indicator which I call the "Stay or Go Indicator". It is the difference between the annual wage growth figures for 'Job Switchers'... Show More
CommSec Senior Economist Ryan Felsman takes a look at the economic events scheduled for the week ahead, including retail sales, job ads and building approvals. Show More
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 Australian economy grew by 0.6% in the September quarter, missing consensus forecasts for growth of 0.7%. Annual economic growth came in at 2.8% - the fastest pace since June 2016. 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
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 Senior Economist Savanth Sebastian takes a look at the economic events scheduled for the week ahead, including construction work done, and the detailed job market data. Show More
CommSec Senior Economist Savanth Sebastian takes a look at the economic events scheduled for the week ahead, including employment, housing finance and wages data. Show More
CommSec Chief Economist takes a look at the key features of the Federal Budget, including its impact on the Australian economy. Show More
CommSec Senior Economist Savanth Sebastian takes a look at the economic events scheduled for the week ahead, including retail sales, job ads and the Federal Budget: Show More
Just wanted to quickly share this chart - it shows consumer sentiment across developed and emerging economies (GDP weighted) using the Reuters/Ipsos Consumer Sentiment Indexes. The chart (from my latest report) shows a clear trend towards new highs in consumer confidence for developed economies, and while emerging markets stumbled in... Show More
There are no ‘top shelf’ indicators due for release in Australia in the coming week; In Australia, the week kicks off on Monday with the release of the Business Sales index (BSI) from Commonwealth Bank. Unlike the retail trade figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the BSI is... Show More
CommSec Senior Economist Savanth Sebastian takes a look at the outlook for economic growth, employment and interest rates for the year ahead For more forecasts for 2017, including oil and iron ore prices, visit https://www.commsec.com.au/market-news/year-ahead.html Show More
As a holiday treat we're making the 2016 End of Year Special Edition of the Weekly Macro Themes available for free: http://www.topdowncharts.com/2016-special-edition This edition looks at some of my favorite charts and themes of the year from the weekly report, including the charts that worked (and those that didn't... Show More
The Commonwealth Bank Business Sales Indicator (BSI) rose by 1.2 per cent in November after an upwardly revised 1.1 per cent lift in October. Spending is now expanding at the fastest pace in 7½-years For more Economic Insights, visit https://www.commsec.com.au/market-news/the-markets.html Show More
CommSec Chief Economist Craig James provides insights into the potential impact of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named’s surprise win on the Australian economy For more coverage of the US Presidential Election, visit https://www.commsec.com.au/market-news/the-markets.html Show More
The Reserve Bank of Australia is expected to keep the cash rate on hold at 1.5% in November following stronger than expected September quarter inflation data this week For more Economic Insights, visit https://www.commsec.com.au/market-news/the-markets.html Show More