The NAB Commercial Property Index lifted to an 8-year high in the March quarter, continuing the run of improvements seen in recent quarters.
Insight
January 16, 2015
US Economic Update – January 2015
The US economy is currently enjoying a strong patch of growth. Small business confidence is at a recovery high, consumer confidence continues to increase, and household incomes - already benefiting from strong employment growth - are being further boosted by the fall in oil prices.
- The U.S economy is enjoying a strong patch of growth. Overall we have revised up our GDP growth forecasts and now expect 2.4% in 2014 (previously 2.3%) and 3.2% in 2015 (was 3.0%) although 2016 has been revised down from 2.8% to 2.7%.
- Inflation is falling reflecting the plunge in oil prices, as well as the appreciation of the US dollar.
- Monetary policy is likely to start tightening from mid-year. Low inflation (actual or expected) remains the main risk that may delay rate hikes.
For further details, please see the attached document:
