European shares: The FTSEurofirst index fell by 0.1%, with the German Dax up less than 0.1% to record highs while the UK FTSE lost 0.2% Base metal prices were...

I am married with three children (all in their 20s) and currently live in Huntleys Cove in the inner west of Sydney. Chief interest is athletics and trying to keeping up with the children.My current role is Chief Economist, Commonwealth Securities, interpreting big picture economic and financial trends for customers, clients and staff. Previously I was Chief Economist at Colonial and have worked at the Australian Financial Review as a senior writer.As well as providing presentations to staff and clients and commentaries on financial and economic trends, I appear regularly in the electronic and print media.I have worked in banking, finance and journalism for 38 years.I hold both Bachelor and Master degrees in Commerce (Economics). Both degrees were undertaken at University of NSW. I am an Adjunct Professor at Curtin Business School in Perth.