The key to understanding the way “the economy” seems to be working as an issue in this election is to not to fall into the trap of seeing it as a single holistic thing, writes Possum Comitatus.
Interest rate rise
Andrew Murray: They give fiscal conservatives a bad name
We can afford some tax cuts and benefits increases without fearing inflation - but it is the sheer and growing scale and quantum of Liberal/Labor promises that is dangerous and irresponsible, writes Democrats Senator Andrew Murray.
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The interest rate rise … this government is a lemon … Pauline’s revival … Pakistan … Malcolm Turnbull … Ruddisms … nuclear power … WiFi …
MacCormack: Howard embraces “faith-based reality” on interest rates
The Bush Administration’s practice of ignoring what’s happening on Planet Earth in favour of a more convenient narrative is driving the Government’s handling of interest rate rises, writes David MacCormack.
Who do you trust? Central bankers
The Prime Minister has made a major statement on economic management this morning in an effort to restate the Coalition’s credentials in the wake of yesterday’s interest rate rise, writes Christian Kerr.
Rates up and the rhetoric lines are drawn
We now have an interest rate rise. Barring something like a terrorist outrage, we now also have the parameters of debate for the remaining two weeks of the campaign – the final weeks when we will crystallise our choice.
Waiting for Godot: rates up and no Lucky
The Howard/Costello message until recent days has been one of self congratulation. The about turn in rhetoric from good times to hard times is most unlikely to work, writes Richard Farmer.
Clive Hamilton: the Treasurer gets his wish
The Government’s decision to reframe the interest rate rise as a warning to the electorate to stick with the party they trust more to manage the economy is not a panic reaction but one that has been considered for some time, writes Clive Hamilton.
PM’s startling economic promise: lower wages
In case you’ve missed it, John Howard wants you to vote for him because he promises wages will be lower under a coalition government than under Labor, writes Michael Pascoe.
Nice Newspoll, shame about the rates
Today we have the best Newspoll for the government since November, even if it’s only due to a bit of minor party preference noise, but as far as the image goes – a good poll is a good poll is a good poll, writes Possum Comitatus.
The Daily Verdict: Day 21 and John wins by an ear
If desperate politicians really do try desperate things, and John Howard pretending that a sixth interest rate rise since promising to keep them at record lows suggests he is in that category, then Rove Live next Sunday night should be worth watching, writes Richard Farmer.
Howard’s hope: Fear and uncertainty as US markets slump
Fear is back stalking financial markets less than a day after the US Federal Reserve cut interest rates to take pressure of financial stocks and the economy. Is this John Howard’s last hope for avoiding a damaging interest rate rise next week, and bringing him back into the election picture?
Kilgour: Dumb, dumber, downright stupid and Downer
One thing’s for sure. The winner of this election will spend the first year junking a big bunch of spending promises if they are responsible, writes Adam Kilgour.
Pushing out past Cup Day was the PM’s biggest punt
John Howard might not be a racing man but he took a huge punt when he postponed the election until after Melbourne Cup Day, writes Richard Farmer.
Strong Aussie dollar worries Colonial
One of Australia’s biggest fund managers, Colonial, is worried about the rising impact of the strong Aussie dollar on its holdings of listed Australian shares, writes Glenn Dyer.
There’s more than one way to get a rates rise
It’s now looking as though we are “enjoying” a defacto interest rate rise of around 0.20% to 0.40% judging by where short term money market rates have settled above 6.80% to 7%, writes Glenn Dyer.
Mackerras: 1 December is the day…
My prediction for the election date is Saturday 1 December and here is my reasoning, writes Malcolm Mackerras.
Better polls, financial disaster: all good news for Howard
Prime Minister John Howard will be pleased the Newspoll dice rolled in his favour this morning with the two party preferred vote for Labor returning to the 55% level it had been fluctuating around for months before the jump a fortnight ago to 59%.
Leadership tension sinks government vote: Morgan
Coalition primary support is down significantly in the wake of leadership sniping and the recent interest rate rise, according the latest face to face Morgan Poll.
The Economy: Consumer inflation & consumer confidence
The Roy Morgan Research measure of Consumer Confidence is published today. It shows confidence has dipped slightly from 30-month high it experienced in July.
Election 2007: an IR referendum?
The federal election could end up being a referendum on industrial relations and the union movement, according to qualitative research from Roy Morgan Research.
Which comes first: the election or the rates rise?
Market economists expect another rates rise before the end of the year. The main question is when. Before, after or during the election campaign?
Howard might still be the real thing
The Man in Black, Ian Kortlang, turned up on ABC Radio in Sydney yesterday discussing the Crosby/Textor leak. He classified leaks in four ways, writes Christian Kerr.
An election – and another rate rise?
Liberal Party federal director Brian Loughane told ministerial pres secretaries earlier this week to be on standby for an election announcement in coming weeks.
Who do you trust – central bankers?
Try looking on the bright side of the interest rate rise: the combined
wisdom of our central bank mandarins and board reckon the global credit market shakeout is nothing to worry about, Michael Pascoe writes.
