Monthly Archives: March 2015

The 2014 Australia-China Trade Report

Julie Bishop launched the 2014 Australia-China Trade Report. Commissioned by the Australia China Business Council (ACBC), one of Australia’s most respected China engagement forums and sponsored by NAB, the report examines bilateral trade between the two countries. Read more

Quarterly Agribusiness Survey – December 2014

The December quarter 2014 saw a rebound in post-farmgate agribusiness conditions, confidence and expected conditions at both 3 and 12 months. However forward orders declined and profitability remained negative. Overall, the sector experienced a more optimistic December quarter. Read more

Australian Markets Weekly: Fed now not impatient – RBA patient in March

This week we look at: •The latest US FOMC statement and its implications; •The RBA Minutes, which reveal the Bank considered further reducing rates in March, but decided against moving at that meeting. How much longer might they be patient?; •The latest industry employment data to see how this fits with our view of the Australian economy; and •The main events coming up this week. Read more

Narrower rows could reduce the need for herbicides

Weed control activities are costing Aussie farmers around $1.5 billion a year and herbicide resistance is on the rise. Whilst wide rows make it easier for machinery to pass through stubble they increase the need for herbicide. A return to narrower rows could be part of a balanced solution. Read more

China Economic Update – 18 March 2015

In early February 2015, the People’s Bank of China (PBoC) cut the Reserve Requirement Ratio by 50 basis points. This was the first broad based cut to the RRR since May 2012 and it could release around RMB 612 billion in liquidity. The PBoC was quick to downplay the significance of this change. Read more

Rural Commodities Wrap – March 2015

The Rural Commodities Index, which covers 28 agricultural commodities, gained 2.1% (AUD) and 0.5% (USD) in February on the back of higher fruit, dairy, fibre and pulses prices, which offset mixed performance across grains and protein. Read more