Australia recorded subdued economic growth in Q4, with the detail painting a mixed picture.

NAB economics changes cash rate view to one 25bp increase in late 2018.

Overall sentiment around commercial property (measured by the NAB Commercial Property Index) moderated a little in Q4 (down 1 to +17) but is still well above the long-term average (+2).

Sentiment towards Australian housing market positive in Q4, but confidence wanes. NAB’s view for 2018 largely unchanged, but degree of moderation ramped up.

We’re living longer and our kids are experiencing the challenges of establishing themselves in a world of higher house-to-wage ratios. Our over-leveraged governments have responded by cutting back on spending in health, education and social services as well as super tax breaks that encourage us to save. The upshot is, we have to rely on ourselves for a comfortable long-term future.

Nationally, dwelling values were unchanged in November 2017 according to the CoreLogic home value index.

While there was plenty of concern about potential geopolitical and economic crises at the recent ASFA conference, at least one senior industry figure was upbeat.

Business and government led growth

Way out West: mining and exploring again.