US Economic Update – US GDP Q1 2013
US GDP rose by 2.5% (annualized rate) in the March quarter. Underlying trend is modest growth. Growth in the quarter was largely driven by private consumption and a positive contribution from inventories. Fixed investment was weaker than the previous quarter but continues to grow Read more
China Economic Update – April 2013
National accounts for the March quarter came in well below expectations, suggesting a more subdued economic recovery than previously thought. Real GDP growth eased to 7.7% yoy, from 7.9% last quarter. Consumption made the largest contribution to growth but it is too early to say an... Read more
Quarterly SME Survey – March 2013
SME confidence & conditions edge higher in March quarter but still near post-GFC lows; SMEs more pessimistic than larger firms and activity also more subdued. Capacity utilisation falls to lowest level in history, despite tick up in forward orders. Signs lower borrowing rates are helping… Read more
Five steps that lead to a purchase
Understanding the steps that lead to a purchase can help you to market your business more effectively. Mark Fletcher, Principal Consultant at ShopScience, shows how to map the ‘customer journey’ for your target markets and make the most of the insights this provides Read more
The farmgate to China is open
If you want to do business in China, you have to go there. Developing relationships and understanding the intricacies of doing business are vital to successfully taking advantage of the opportunities presented by Asia’s growing population and wealth. Read more
NAB Manufacturing Activity Index – Q1, 2013
The Manufacturing Activity Index improved in Q1, up to neutral levels – driven largely by less negative levels for business confidence. The index implies no growth in quarterly manufacturing activity – which would represent a slowdown according to recent official data. Read more
CPI preview – March quarter 2013
With little indication of inflation pressures emerging in the early months of 2013, we expect the CPI release (due 24 April) to confirm that underlying inflation remained subdued in March quarter 2013. We see underlying inflation remaining within the RBA’s target over the medium to longer… Read more
Rural Commodities Wrap – April 2013
Global financial markets are digesting latest Euro-zone crisis (Cyprus) where bank depositors are being forced to take losses. Pre-crisis global financial markets had been on a strong rally, especially against the background of still sluggish economic performance in the… Read more
Asian Tigers Economic Update – April 2013
Exports from both Australia and New Zealand to the Asian Tiger economies (ASEAN, S Korea, HK and Taiwan) remain below their previous peaks, largely reflecting lower prices for key export commodities. Read more
Returning to the land
Farming is in Michael Schembri’s blood – after a short break from the land, he and his family are pulling together to build their investment in a New South Wales poultry farm. Here he talks about the challenges they face and their commitment to ongoing growth. Read more
Quarterly Business Survey – March 2013
Business confidence lifts from late 2012 lows but still below average. That reflects better global confidence, stronger equity prices and lower borrowing rates at home. Conditions still subdued and with marked weakness in trade and consumer dependent sectors. Forward indicators … Read more
Brief China Economic Update -15 April 2013
According to Chinese National Accounts released today, the Chinese economy grew 1.6% in the March quarter, which is a 7.7% increase on the same period last year. This result is softer than expected and casts some doubt over expectations for a robust recovery in the Chinese economy... Read more
