Weekend news had US unemployment rising to 10.7 %, but the better news is that the rate of job loss continues to fall, writes Henry Thornton.
RBA
The economic conservative pulls it off
Before the wind-back-the-stimulus debate gets too wound up, notice that most of the 0.6% in GDP growth is derived from the stimulus package.
Political economy: RBA sits easy
Australia’s central bank decided, in line with most expectations, to stay with its “emergency” low interest rates yesterday. What next?
Why banks needed the RBA to raise rates
Now that the RBA has kept interest rates on hold — and no-one knows when they’ll rise again — banks are wondering how they’ll pass on the higher cost of funds without PR fallout, says Elizabeth Knight.
Mortgage owners rejoice: interest rates on hold
Just when will interest rates rise again? Hard to tell based on the Reserve Bank’s meeting today. But they will rise — the economy is showing signs of recovering, albeit slowly.
Political economy: RBA will be boldly decisive
The Reserve Bank board meets tomorrow, where it will hear tales of unexpected economic strength. There are, however, a few caveats…
Time to shut off the stimulus tap?
Know-it-alls Malcolm Turnbull, Joe Hockey and Barnaby Joyce reckon we should shut off the stimulus tap and start cutting back — but the debate is far from over. Perhaps they should do a bit of reading from the minutes of the latest RBA meeting.
Glenn Stevens’ high wire act on rates
Is the Reserve Bank chief softening up public opinion in preparation for an interest rate rise? Sinclair Davdson investigates.
Recession? What recession?
The Reserve Bank now believes Australia will escape a recession, having lifted its 2009 growth rate from a contraction of 1% in the May Statement on Monetary Policy, to growth of 0.5%.
How rate cuts and a little stimulus saved Myer
Without the $432 million in government stimulus spending that Myer received, the company would still be struggling under a mountain of debt.
Situation almost normal for economy
After a big slump, things are finally looking up for the the Australian economy with consumer confidence exploding and house prices rising.
Morning Market Report: Market prepares for a big week
The market is up 17 today ahead of a big week, with the RBA meeting tomorrow.
Interest rates: what goes down must come back up
Interest rates are likely to rise, but not until business and consumer confidence are a little more stable, writes Ross Gittins.
Credit growth sluggish, recession jury still out
Reserve Bank figures out today continue to show an economy slowing as credit growth declines.
Glenn Stevens’ vision of a frugal Australia
The media seems to have ignored the real message from Glenn Stevens’ RBA speech — the era of cheap credit and 100% home loans is over.
What the RBA chief really said
Reserve Bank governor Glenn Stevens’ housing speech will inevitably trigger a lot of uninformed comment, says Christopher Joye, but here it is straight…
Market sees rate hike in RBA speech
RBA Governor Glenn Stevens has weighed in on Australia’s economic recovery, suggesting there will be no more rate cuts and could be a rate rise or two by the end of the first quarter of 2010.
Gen X Reserve Banker: we’re “screwed” by Baby Boomers and Gen Y
Gen X Reserve Banker Guy Debelle calls his fellow Xers “that generation which is unfortunately screwed” by both Baby Boomers (whose debt they’re paying), and Gen Y (who’ll cut their pensions).
Political snippets: Deflation off the cards
Forget your deflationary blues and what the Chinese press are saying on Rio.
RBA sees blue skies ahead
Til now, the Reserve Bank had been sitting and watching the stimulus and rate cuts work their way through the economy. But the central bank has just announced itself pretty happy at how it’s all going.
Crikey Says: How media’s myopia hurts economic analysis
Economic commentary in Australia is based on numbers of momentary significance, numbers which are loaded with meaning in the few minutes after their release and then promptly forgotten.
Producer price inflation under the thumb
Producer Price Index figures released this morning show the global downturn has reduced price pressures in the Australian economy.
How the media trash important stories when their rivals scoop them
News Ltd’s handling of the six economists’ call for a new inquiry into the financial system was revealing.
Rates and jobs: a world of “no”
The “Nos” won Tuesday: no interest rate cut from the Reserve Bank and no pay rise for low-paid workers from the Fair Pay Commission.
Morning Market Report: European markets down
The domestic market is down 18, while the UK down is 1%, Germany down 1.2%, and France down 1.2%.
