In Focus: Queensland Beef Industry Outlook
Combined with strong industry fundamentals, Queensland saw significant rainfall during December 2014 and January 2015. In response, cattle prices have risen substantially as producers look to restock. However, despite this optimism, a number of challenges remain. Read more
Biggest Issues Facing Australia Today: Special Report
NAB has released its first annual pulse check on the big issues facing Australia today. Important concerns include cost of living, access to healthcare, employment, the economy and terrorism/security concerns, while indigenous issues, infrastructure and transport and taxation are lowest. Read more
NAB Quarterly Australian Wellbeing Index – Q4 2014
The NAB Australian Wellbeing Index fell slightly to 63 points in Q4 2014 (63.8 in Q3). Wellbeing was rated lower for all questions, especially “not anxious yesterday” which fell to its lowest level since the survey started. Wellbeing rated highest in Queensland and lowest in Victoria. Read more
Emerging Commodities: Quinoa
Since 2008, global quinoa consumption has rapidly increased. In Australia, planting has been concentrated largely in Western Australia. While there are potential benefits from diversification for wheat producers, concerns remain around reliability of yield, weed control and marketing. Read more
FOMC Marks Time As RBNZ Drops Tightening Bias
The USD Index is little changed, but yields are marginally lower after the Fed issued a post meeting Statement repeating it can be “patient” in beginning to normalise monetary policy. Read more
Game changer for agribusiness banking
A recent survey of over 5,000 farming customers found that 74 per cent had made changes to their businesses as a result of natural resource sustainability in the past two to three years. NAB is stepping up its recognition of the benefits of sustainable business practices. Read more
Secrets of a successful Wagyu farmer
David Blackmore’s melt-in-the-mouth Wagyu beef is recognised around the world thanks, he says, to a healthy farm and happy cattle. Today his biggest challenge is keeping up with demand from some of the world’s leading chefs and restaurateurs. Read more
The World on two pages – January 2015
Moderate sub-trend global growth continues with a diversity of economic conditions (expansion in US, UK, India and China, weakness in Euro-zone, Japan, Latin America). Falling oil prices should boost global activity, although the impact varies between oil exporting and importing countries. Read more
Taking The USD Down A Peg
The USD stands lower this morning against all G10 currencies, on the back of remarkably weak US durable goods orders. The EUR was a key beneficiary, up as much as 1.6% for the day, before paring those gains to sit at 1.1360. Read more
Managing change in the fire services
Following her appointment to lead the Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting service across Australia, Michelle Bennetts improved morale and successfully created a more engaged national service of fire fighters, which saw her achievements recognised at the NAB Women’s Agenda Leadership Awards. Read more
Global & Australian Forecasts – January 2015
Moderate sub-trend global growth continues with a diversity of economic conditions. Falling oil prices should boost global activity, although the impact varies between oil exporting and importing countries. Unemployment to continue to deteriorate but peak lower (6.6%) and later (Q4 2015). Read more
Monthly Business Survey – December 2014
The survey again shows a patchwork economy with little-to-no momentum building. In December, conditions eased for the second successive month after October’s surprisingly strong result so they're now a touch below the long run average. Read more
