No signs of change in July as policy emphasises supply, domestic demand is subdued
Insight
February 12, 2014
The talk of the town: NAB weekly wrap
Last week there was a lot to talk about for Australian businesses - from Xbox One gamers to Valentine’s Day and cornflakes. Here’s a selection of recent business insights to help you uncover the opportunities across all business sectors in 2014.
Last week all eyes were on Xbox One gamers, the Valentine’s Day conundrum of just how much to spend and how cornflakes may be saving our trade deficit. Here’s a selection of recent business insights to help you uncover the opportunities across all business sectors in 2014.
Retailers should be thanking Xbox One gamers
December data from NAB’s Online Retail Sales Index (NORSI) shows improved growth in online sales – particularly in the electronic games and toys category, which jumped 32 percent year-on-year. With online sales figures for the year equivalent to 6.5 percent of traditional ‘bricks and mortar’ spend, all retailers need to think about their online presence. Find out more.
Lovers will spend $86 on average this Valentine’s Day
You may need to hide this information from your partner, but according to IBISWorld Aussies will love up to the tune of $791.4 million in the lead up to February 14. A timely reminder of the importance of love and getting your targeted marketing for specific holidays right. Find out more.
Flying high in volatile currency markets
Boeing Co., the world’s largest manufacturer of planes, says it’s cushioned against currency market turmoil by an order backlog for its best-selling 737 jet that’s large enough to keep factories busy for seven years. Given ongoing volatility in currency markets, all business owners with currency exposure need to think about their hedging strategies. Find out more.
Cereal fillers boost the Aussie trade balance
A sharp jump in foreign demand for cereal has helped to push Australia’s trade balance into a surplus for the first time in two years. Exports rose 4 percent in December as imports lifted by 2 percent according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, while cereal exports, boosted by a bumper harvest in Western Australia, rose by $436 million or 78 percent in December. Exporters need to consider how price volatility can impact their business – talk to a hedging expert today. Find out more.
Private equity is on the rise
Investor confidence and overall optimism in Asia-Pacific are both high for the year ahead. More than three-quarters (76 percent) of respondents in Ernst & Young’s private equity survey expect private equity deal activity to increase in 2014. For businesses looking to this market, Asia is a good next step. Find out more.
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