Business Research & Insights

China’s third quarter growth beat expectations; 2023 forecast edges back above target

Soft start to Q3 signals a growing chance that China could miss its annual growth target

China’s recovery lost momentum in Q2 and the outlook for the second half remains cloudy

Weakness in domestic demand led to underperformance in May

A soft start to 2023

A slow start for growth in 2023

Base effects inflate growth in April; still waiting on demand to recover

Services sector supports growth rebound in Q1, as base effects boost consumption

Modest reopening rebound in early 2023 with consumers yet to re-emerge

Growth slows as consumption softens

A solid outcome to round out 2022

Transition away from zero-COVID could boost growth in 2023, however needs to rebalance towards consumption

Latest COVID-19 wave impacting activity in Q4; COVID policy pivot could provide boost in 2023 (after transition period).

Post-COVID normalisation continues.

Slowing growth as consumption, trade normalise

China refines, not abandons, zero-COVID and remains without an exit strategy

Growth rebounded in Q3, but base effects flattered the results

Base effects flatter August’s growth rates, as a fresh COVID-19 wave threatens outlook

A solid result ahead of a slower H2 2022

A solid outcome ahead of a slower H2 2022.

We'll help you find the right foreign exchange risk management strategy by understanding your core business and the challenges you face every day.

Reopening rebound limited by weakness in domestic demand and credit appetite

COVID-19 measures hit China’s economy harder than expected in Q2, and present downside risk to the outlook.

COVID-19 uncertainty continues to cloud China’s economic outlook.

A solid result despite virus disruptions early in the year.

Imports to weigh on growth despite strong consumption.

COVID lockdowns point to weaker growth and greater uncertainty in the near term.

COVID outbreaks dampened growth in March, and cloud near-term outlook.

COVID and energy prices present sizeable risk to China’s ambitious growth target.

A strong rebound in activity as lockdowns end.

Rebound sets the stage for a strong 2022.

China enters 2022 with relatively weak momentum and considerable uncertainty.

November data show little underlying improvement from October’s weakness.

GDP Q3 2021 – A short and sharp fall, now firmly in the rear view mirror.

Large fall sets up “W-shaped” recovery.

Partials point to a weak start to Q4, with production and retail soft and investment contracting.

A series of crises stalled Q3 growth and present downside risk to the outlook.

COVID restrictions hit retail in August, building on existing imbalances in China’s economy.

We look at how the proposed Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement could mean new import and export opportunities. Watch now.

GDP surprises, rising 0.7% q/q.

A soft outcome ahead of a Q3 fall.

China’s Delta outbreak likely to slow growth in the near term

China’s economy grew largely as expected in Q2, but imbalance between production and consumption persists.

Growth slowing as base effects wash away; consumers continue to lag industry.

GDP Recovers Pre-COVID Levels

Q1 2021 - GDP continues to recover.

Smaller base effects meant smaller growth rates in April but retail sales are still lagging.

Our new podcast series to help small to medium sized businesses make sense of current market movements. This week's podcast includes a focus on inflation and FX implications .

Our new podcast series to help small to medium sized businesses make sense of current market movements.

A new podcast series to help small to medium sized businesses make sense of current market movements.

A new podcast series to help small to medium sized businesses make sense of current market movements.

Quarterly data point to weak start to 2021, but signs of consumers returning is positive.

As Australian agriculture exports gets set for record earnings, NAB agri economist Phin Ziebell looks beyond the stellar numbers to examine where future opportunities lie.

Autumn rain lifts EYCI outlook in the short-term.

Don’t be fooled by surging annual growth rates – momentum is set to slow across 2021.

Despite a very strong start to the recovery, the economy is likely to have spare capacity for some time.

Rebound continues as Victoria ends lockdown.

The rebound continues.

China’s economy enters 2021 with momentum, but expected to slow across the year.

China’s consumers finally remerging

A strong rebound as the recovery begins. GDP rose by a large 3.3% in Q3, following the sharp 7% fall in Q2.

Large rebound from COVID impacted Q2.

Consumers gradually returning to the market, with China still reliant on industry.

2020-21 on track to deliver above average winter crop.

Q2 GDP fell by a massive 7% (-6.3% y/y), confirming the large hit to economic activity as a result of the shutdown to limit the COVID-19 pandemic.

GDP is expected to decline by 5.8% (-5.1% y/y) in Q2 – the largest quarterly fall on record.

Demand fundamentals limiting outlook for wool.

How Australian producers can maximise their export opportunities in a COVID world.

China’s old economy drives growth to unexpected high in Q2.

2020-21 winter crop prospects strong.

Suppliers are still searching for demand.

GDP declines on early COVID-19 impacts.

The calm before the storm.

The latest economic data from China continues to highlight some challenges in its recovery phase.

China’s economy sharply contracted in Q1; weakest growth in over forty years in 2020.

Risks remain amid rapid rise in cattle prices.

A moderate outcome pre COVID-19.

A weak result ahead of the Coronavirus outbreak.

Dairy dynamics: prices, drought and costs impacting dairy landscape.

China’s ends 2019 in line with expectation.

China’s industrial sector appears to have stabilised ahead of new trade deal.

Consumer growth slows further.

Consumption growth remains weak.

After surviving multiple challenges to their market share in recent years, the nation’s wine producers have bounced back and look set to enjoy vintage times.

Most of China’s indicators relatively weak year-on-year, however, the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China at the start of the October has made this harder to gauge.

Trade war finally shows its impact on China, as industrial sector drags Q3 growth lower.

Across advanced economies, business investment has underwhelmed since the global financial crisis, contributing to weak productivity and lower potential growth. 

Pork shortfall to maintain higher inflation in the near term.

Treasury representatives from Associated British Ports, Peel Ports, NSW Ports and the Port of Tauranga recently met to explore and share their insights on the opportunities and challenges facing port owners and operators.

China’s industrial sector struggling ahead of the latest round of trade measures.

Private sector stalls.

Private sector weakness continues.

China’s economy is continuing to slow, even before the latest round of US tariffs (and China’s retaliation), meaning there’s further downside risk.

How successful has China’s deleveraging program been in managing the country’s debt?

Growth slowed in Q2 but policy support should see it stabilise.

Horticulture exports grow to rival Australian lamb and dairy.

She’s apples! How health food entrepreneur DR Vincent Candrawinata spends his day.

Policy makers ready to stimulate as signs of weakness grow.

Can China weaponise rare earths to open a new front in the trade war?

Household weakness persists.

Trade risks realised.

Prospects of another soft quarter.

We examine the last decade in Australian agricultural exports and what’s projected to come.

Looking for work: the health of China’s labour market is still hard to ascertain.

Weaker economic trends even before trade tensions heat up again.

Crashing cars: how deleveraging has hit China’s automotive sector

Household income and construction drag.

Household sector weakness to persist.

Global Dairy Trade auction results have seen some upside since December after a fairly weak run over much of 2018.

The Propel program helps Australian technology start-ups take on the world. Apply now to spend 10 days in the US building networks, meeting investors and absorbing the ways of Silicon Valley.

Education has grown to a scale export industry, and is now Australia’s third largest export earner.

Healthy momentum continues

Harvest is now underway for 2018-19 winter crop, a season which will likely go down as one of the most mixed in years.

Trade impacts are yet to emerge, but mixed signals persist in China.

Keen to expand your business’s global footprint? If so, there are compelling reasons to consider heading to the UK, especially if you own a tech start-up, with an exciting new competition just launched.

A commitment to relationships in Japan and Australia, respect for supply chain profitability and a focus on quality has seen Edwards Livestock double exports in less than a decade.

Recent tariff announcements are a modest negative for growth in US and China although Chinese policy will look to offset the impact.

Rutherglen’s Campbells Wines has lived through the global rise, fall and resurrection of the Australian wine industry. Current head of the winery Colin Campbell discusses how this fifth-generation business structures itself for export success in the 21st century.

Reasonable growth.

With expansion on the horizon, FRANKiE4’s Financial Controller, Jonathan Cole, is focused on the right markets and the right financial facilities to make the leap into Europe and the US.

When BJ Plummer was handed the reins of acclaimed Tasmanian smoked seafood producer Woodbridge Smokehouse, he was instructed not to ‘mess around’ with the brand. We spoke to Plummer about his strategy, which has seen export revenue grow a whopping 1,300 per cent in just three years.

AUD/USD is now expected to be largely contained within a 0.70-0.75 trading range.

Risk to world growth from trade tensions escalating.

From the beginning, Alex Tomic and Nik Mirkovic knew they wanted to think big, and to think global.

NAB’s USD non-rural commodity price index declined by over 3% q/q in Q2 2018. This only partially reversed the large gain made in the previous quarter and, as a result, it is still 7.5% higher than a year ago. The fall in Q2 mainly reflected a decline in iron ore and metallurgical coal prices, although LNG export prices – linked to the price of oil – rose.

If you like a schooner of beer, it’s likely you’ve sipped a brew made with hops from Hop Products Australia. Having weathered this boom-bust industry, and as Australia’s largest hops grower today, the team at HPA is passionate about these little cone-like flowers – and about bringing distinct fresh flavour to every glass.

Solid start to the year.

Do you own a small business that’s selling overseas or importing products and equipment into Australia? Trade finance can help you make the most of opportunities without tying up your valuable working capital.

While many city dwellers see farming as old-fashioned, Kim and David Coulton and family of Morella Agriculture know it’s all about cementing market share by staying on top of the science and technology curve.

Rising to the challenge of parenting four children with Type 1 diabetes prompted Elissa Renouf to found Diabete-ezy, a rapidly expanding business whose products help other sufferers manage the condition. We spend a day with her in export and expansion mode.

Keen to export to Asia? Make sure you understand what’s involved and how best to prepare.

2018 has been exceptionally dry across much of Australia, with knock-on downside to restocker interest and young cattle prices.

From June 14 to June 25, I’ll be leading NAB’s 2018 Agribusiness Japan Tour. If your business involves cattle farming, sheep farming or horticulture and you’re interested in the connections, insight and strategies being used to succeed in Asian markets, I encourage you to join me.

Agromin Australia is expanding its exports by sticking to what it knows best – pulses for the Indian subcontinent. Owner Rajni Patel explains how the company is cornering a larger and larger share of the market for Australian farmers.

Hear from Khan Horne, GM Agribusiness, NAB about what he is seeing across the beef sector, what to expect during Beef Australia 2018, and how NAB is supporting the industry generally and on location at Rockhampton – 6-12 May.

Brothers Hamish and Gavin dreamed of taking their Aussie backyard turf company big and supplying world-class stadiums. Today they’re internationally recognised suppliers in their field.

Fourth-generation Australian winemaker Colin has spent 50 years among the vines and says there’s no place on earth he’d rather be.

The economy looks to have performed solidly in Q4, despite a large subtraction from net exports.

The grandeur of Australia’s wool industry is visible in the huge old wool stores standing tall all over our cities. Moses & Son’s Martin Moses wants Australian wool to rise again – and says the next generation of sheep farmers has the power to take on the world.

Stability in financial markets over 2017 and early 2018 came to abrupt end in recent weeks, with a surge in market volatility and big falls in equity markets and prices for many commodities.

The US Debt Capital Markets provided options for issuers.

Japan is arguably Australia’s most important Asian ally, and its large market of wealthy consumers is a natural target for Australian businesses selling high-quality goods and services. Here are some tips to help you establish successful business relationships.

Jim Barry Wines says there’s no need for Aussie agri brands to compete against each other – all have a place in a modern consumer’s diet.

As Australia moves beyond the mining boom, we need to secure new sources of growth to ensure our future prosperity.

Australia’s GDP continues to grow in spite of subdued wages growth and consumer spending. Gaining a greater understanding of how these contradictory trends break down across regional and metropolitan areas, as well as consumer spending categories, is behind NAB’s expansion of its Consumer Spending and Cashless Retail analyses.

The economy is likely to have grown at a solid clip in Q3. While some pieces of the growth puzzle are falling into place, the stark divergence between business and consumer spending remains despite jobs growth. Non-mining and infrastructure investment will be encouraging for the RBA, but higher wages growth is required.

A shopfront to the world: how Amazon’s arrival could spell opportunity for Australian retailers.

The Australian beef cattle industry has enjoyed a great run over the past couple of years, with the Eastern Young Cattle Indicator (EYCI) hitting a record over 720c/kg in September last year.

Indicators point to marginally softer conditions post China’s leadership change

There were very few consistent themes across the commodity complex this quarter.

Changing of the guard - what does China’s new leadership mean for its economy?

China’s stable growth continued in Q3, but supported by another credit binge.

What does it take to run a successful rural pharmacy? Two business owners – including the winner of this year’s Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s Pharmacy of the Year Award – discuss the challenges and rewards of working in a small town.

In just a few years, Marie Piccone has revived the fortunes of three mango plantations and the once-renowned Manbulloo brand. A careful strategy built on meeting customers’ demands is what got her there.

Superfoods can mean super profits. But which ones are gaining the attention of Australian farmers?

The Indian economy decelerated in the June quarter, growing by 5.7% yoy, the lowest since March 2014.

Q2 GDP data will be released on Wednesday 6 September at 11:30am AEST. Additional partials will be available tomorrow and may alter our forecast.

When the Australian Government removed price reserve guarantees on wool in 1991, the resulting price collapse meant long-standing beef, lamb and wool producers Julie and Sandy Cameron had to either innovate or accept that their business would perish.

As Australia’s most important trading partner, China is one country your business probably shouldn’t ignore. We share tips to help you get started.

Rosalie Rotolo-Hassan started serving customers in her parents’ food business at Adelaide’s Central Market when she was just 12 years old – and launched her own export business at 18.

Chinese data generally weaker in July, returning to trend after strong June

Steady as she goes – economic growth and other key indicators stable in Q2.

Revisions to real GDP growth forecasts this month largely reflect a stronger than expected rebound in coal exports following disruptions from Cyclone Debbie in Q1. Further out, we have not fundamentally changed the tone of our outlook.

Fifteen years ago, two separate groups of enthusiastic investors and abalone farmers set out to secure a footing on the global stage. It wasn’t until they joined forces in 2008 that everything changed and the farms, within the space of nine years, went from individual 70-tonne entities to being the biggest producer of abalone in the southern hemisphere.

The NAB Rural Commodities Index is an index of 28 agricultural commodities weighted by the relative size of each commodity in the Australian agricultural sector.

The autumn break this year was rather mixed, with some areas receiving good rain and others missing out.

Fifty years ago Australia’s main export market was the United Kingdom, shipping wool and wheat. Today over 83% of all Australian exports are going to Asian countries. Nuts and grains – specifically, nuts - are climbing the ranks of top exports.

Many farmers take control of their supply chain but few market the benefits to customers as successfully as Australian Grain Link. Over the past 16 years this strategy has helped them carve out lucrative specialty niches that show no signs of shrinking.

The NAB Monthly Business Survey was a little softer in May, but still points to a healthy business sector. Business conditions are elevated and confidence is holding up above long-run average levels.

Trends stable across the board, no sign of a major economic slowdown.

Key indicators a little softer in April, pointing to easing economic growth in Q2.

Remember the Chinese gooseberry? Not so much. Not until it turned into the kiwifruit and began turning up in fruit salads everywhere. Meet the man introducing ancient Australian bush tucker to global foodies as ‘lime caviar’.

The NAB Monthly Business Survey posted another strong result in April, with both business conditions and confidence improving – pointing to ongoing strength in business activity in the near-term.

No FTA yet, but deepening trade prospects.

China’s income inequality improving but still some long term challenges.

An improving US-China relationship provides a better environment for China’s economy.

In March, the NAB Monthly Business Survey results pointed to an overall healthy economy that is gaining momentum, at least in the near-term.

Results from the March NAB Monthly Business Survey point to an overall healthy economy that is gaining momentum, at least in the near-term.

Head of Asia Business Development, NAB Business & Private Bank, Laura Mattiazzi recently hosted a roundtable discussion at the Global Food Forum addressing the challenges and opportunities facing cropping industries - and how Australian businesses can compete globally.

Global e-commerce and multichannel retailing expert Martin Newman shares his tips on how to build a better e-commerce business.

The NAB Rural Commodities Index is an index of 28 agricultural commodities weighted by the relative size of each commodity in the Australian agricultural sector.

The ballet shoe has remained relatively unchanged for centuries – since it went from having a heel to being a flat. Enter former ballet dancer Tim Heathcote who is taking on the establishment to revolutionise its design once more.

European and US equities have brushed aside the negative lead from Asia which saw the Shanghai composite down nearly 1% on the day and its fourth session of declines.

This May 13-23, I will be leading NAB’s Agribusiness China Tour 2017. If your business involves cattle, sheep or wool, I encourage you to consider joining me.

You may have reached a point where you’ve decided to explore alternatives to exporting alone to Asian markets. Forming a strategic alliance with another business of similar size and market presence can often be mutually beneficial. It’s important to understand how these kinds of partnerships work – and what the benefits are for your business.

China’s rapid economic development and urbanisation have had a major impact on the health of city-dwellers. Changes in diet and lifestyle have triggered an increase in the incidence of chronic ‘western’ illnesses such as diabetes and coronary heart disease. And, while greater wealth, improved living conditions and access to better medical care are extending lives, an ageing population brings its own set of challenges.

An encouraging start to 2017 – although strength still comes from the old economy, with retail trends disappointing.

Business survey suggests solid near-term activity, despite easing from multi-year high.

For Matt, beer is liquid gold that will always go some way to curing what ails you. However, it’s the social aspects behind it that he believes is the real cure.

It’s one of those stories you read about and wonder if it’s true – how a business started out with a small offering and grew into an industry leader.

Recession fears overblown as GDP rebounds; income surges despite weak labour income.

Summer has brought extremely volatile conditions to Australia’s cropping districts. While much of eastern Australia has baked in an extraordinary heatwave, Western Australia has suffered substantial flooding.

Q4 GDP data will be released on Wednesday 1 March at 11:30 AEDT. Additional partials will be available next week prior to the GDP release.

More Australian businesses are doing business overseas and with advances in technology and the strength of the Australian dollar, more and more small businesses are choosing to import goods from overseas suppliers.

For the 2016-17 season, we developed a new wheat production forecast model, based on regional rainfall and state yields going back to federation, with an allowance for technological change.

The China Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) is a source of significant optimism for many of our business clients, most notably our small and medium sized business clients who are the key employer base in Australia and who generate a significant percentage of our country’s economic activity.

As an exporter, you’ll want to take advantage of any reduced costs that come your way. Free trade agreements (FTAs) do just that – and will make certain markets more attractive than others because of the greater opportunities for your business.

The strength witnessed in last month’s NAB Monthly Business Survey continued into January, with both business conditions and confidence jumping to much higher levels.

The Australian budget in the first six months of this financial year is tracking a little higher, but not significantly worse than recent budget forecasts

Look out quinoa – an Australian-grown ancient grain with serious health credentials is gaining ground on menus as awareness builds about its many benefits.

Asia’s accelerating meat demand and its proximity to Australia and New Zealand should place meat and dairy export heavyweights in good stead.

When Careline first entered the international market place with their infant formula products, they faced some very tough competition and had not yet developed relationships with big local distributors. Now, they can successfully boast China as one of their main export markets, along with Thailand, Singapore, Macau and Hong Kong.

From a political perspective, President Trump’s decision to withdraw from the TPP reflected US sentiment against globalisation, particularly in the mid-west rust belt.

Exporting goods and services to an offshore Asian market might be the next step to growing your business – and pricing will be vital to your success. Get it right and you’ll become established and make a profit.

Prices across the base metals complex have generally been stronger than expected in recent months, prompting some upward revisions to our price forecasts

Here are 11 tips for success in China which Mr Montgomery shared with the health and aged care business stream of the Australia Week in China conference in Beijing.

Business confidence has held up quite well and is remarkably steady given the context of major uncertainties both at home and abroad. That said, the level of confidence has not picked up to reflect the overall strength in business conditions seen over the past year or more.

We expect growth to face some headwinds in coming quarters but to strengthen later in the year and into the next, assuming the President delivers a fiscal stimulus to the economy

If you’ve been thinking about improving the efficiency of your importing or exporting business with Australia’s largest trading partner, here’s a more efficient way to settle trade transactions in China.

China records a comparatively strong finish to 2016, but Trump trade uncertainty adds downside risk to our moderate easing forecast for 2017.

Re-building the US industrial base, aiming to “massively increase jobs, wages, incomes and opportunities for the people of our country” is the principal economic objective of the Trump Presidency.

The key views of NAB and BNZ's economists and strategists

A free trade zone to expedite Australian food exports into China may soon become a reality. NAB’s Chief Customer Officer believes it’s a game changer for Australian agriculture.

Clare and Keith Mugford have one defining philosophy that’s been pivotal to Moss Wood's export success over the last 30 years: dedication to absolute quality, from soil to bottle.

While prices are likely to stay subdued for some time, increased volume will see the value of exports increase significantly.

2016 was a very tough year for many Australian dairy producers, with farmers beginning the year amid extremely dry conditions in key dairy regions and steep cuts to farmgate prices

Australia is ranked the most favourable country to conduct business by Chinese business leaders and business engagement between Australia and China is expected to increase over the next 12 months, a new report has found.

After suffering through two droughts in 10 years, the fortunes of Central Queensland cattle stud Olive Brahmans turned around when they met a Thai investor interested in their Brahman cows.

We are becoming increasingly concerned about the underlying momentum in the economy as evidence mounts that the non-mining economy is losing steam.

China is similarly an important market for US producers, being the country’s third largest export market in 2015

Global economic growth remains moderate with a sub-trend pace of GDP expansion set to continue.

China’s trade surplus narrowed in November, as a strong month-on-month rebound in imports narrowed the gap.

Cultivating fruit that’s sweet in taste, colour and consistency has positioned 2PH as a citrus market leader that can set its export price.

Contraction in Q3 GDP raises questions about non-mining recovery

Your business can benefit by getting the FX solution that best suits your needs.

Our outlook for agricultural production is highly reliant on the climate outlook

In 2015, JT Johnson & Sons, a fourth generation family business selling ruminant animal pellet feed and hay, celebrated its 20th anniversary with Japanese joint venture partner Asahi.

Imagine 800 million buyers at your door.

A key question this week, for the AUD at least, is whether local exporters will continue to stand aside expectant of still better levels to initiate longer dated hedges and/or whether local real money will now look to lift hedge ratios.

Think ‘China’ and do you think of massive competition or massive potential?

Monthly business survey readings provide the most up to date measure of the pulse of global economic growth – and they have been improving in the months leading up to October.

Sixth-generation farmer Charles Downie has managed Glenelg Estate through a period of drought and active stock reduction, to a flourishing flock producing some of the world’s finest fleece.

Whether you’re currently exporting to Asia or merely thinking about it, a wealth of Australian Government and state support, subsidies, and grants are up for grabs. Taking advantage of any grants, subsidies, support or assistance on offer can help your business expand into overseas markets.

In the hour after it was announced that Hillary Clinton’s e-mails were the subject of a new FBI probe, USD/JPY dropped from Y105.50 to Y104.50, the S&P dropped 20 points or 1% with the VIX spiking by 19% and 10-year Treasuries dropped 2bps from 1.85% to 1.83%.

Research has identified that the Australia-China economic relationship is broader than previously assumed, with considerable new growth opportunities for Australian businesses in agribusiness, manufacturing, real estate, tourism, education and finance and professional services.

Cindy Batchelor, Executive General Manager NAB Business presents the best ways to take your business online.

Global dairy markets have faced very difficult conditions since plummeting in the first half of 2014

The progress of the season, which has been generally much wetter than average in eastern Australia but dryer in the west, continues to be the major consideration for Australian agriculture.

Pactum Dairy Group, part of the Freedom Foods Group, is riding the wave of China’s growing love affair with dairy beverages. Freedom Foods Group Managing Director, Rory Macleod, explains how.

From one product line on Australian shelves many years ago, Stahmann Farms now has an abundant 40 nut products in some of the world’s biggest supermarkets chains as well as delivering branded products into its own online store in China.

While GDP growth has been modest, jobs growth remains solid and inflation is edging up.

If your business needs to import raw materials or goods, there are a few bases you’ll have to cover to ensure you’re importing within the law. You can’t simply import anything; some items are illegal while others are banned from certain countries.

Australian Agribusinesses are beginning to realise the advantages of our geographical proximity to Asia and the tremendous economic benefits it will bring.

The quarterly iteration of the NAB Business Survey provides additional valuable insight into Australian business than the regular NAB Monthly Business Survey. This publication offers a more in-depth probe into the conditions facing Australian business.

Launched 40 years ago, the now iconic Australian soft serve ice-cream brand Frosty Boy has grown to become a leader in the frozen dessert and beverage market both locally and overseas with exports to 48 countries.

Growing a sustainable export business requires vision, knowledge, planning – and funds. It’s a costly endeavour that demands exceptional management of your time and resources.

Spring has brought not only considerable rain to parts of the country but also a further uptick in the NAB Rural Commodities Index.

The bigger picture – A Global and Australian economic perspective

The rust belt region has continued to underperform in recent times – as service focussed provinces have driven a greater share of China’s growth. In 2015, the three rust belt provinces were among the four weakest growing regions.

Global growth still not lifting off.

No surprises in the latest data, weaker real estate sector leads to a softening in the growth profile

The results from this month’s survey remain broadly consistent with our prior view of the economy and the near-term outlook. It points to a patchy, but sustained, improvement in the non-mining economy, with the major services sectors and construction leading the way.