Inflation is heading in the right direction
News

Inflation heading in the right direction at last

- December 1, 2023 2 MIN READ

I’ve said over the last couple of weeks that I reckon the December quarter CPI figure (released on 29 January) will be lower than most people think and that we are at the top of the interest rate cycle. Just as the September CPI surprised everyone by being higher than expected, the December quarter will… Read more »

Impact of inflation on households
News

Behind the headlines: what rising interest rates really mean

- November 17, 2023 4 MIN READ

The Reserve Bank has been constantly saying that as it monitors the economy for any further need for interest rate increases, apart from inflation its focus is on jobs, household spending and the property market. This week we received key data on all these areas. First up jobs. Unemployment up but job creation still strong… Read more »

RBA inflation down fast
News

RBA wants inflation to slow — fast

- October 20, 2023 3 MIN READ

Comments in the latest RBA Board minutes shows they don’t just want inflation to slow, they want it down at a faster rate.  Mark this Wednesday in your calendar. That’s the day the September quarter Consumer Price Index (CPI) will be released at 11.30am. That single figure will determine whether the Reserve Bank lifts interest… Read more »

Building cost spiral returning to normal
News

Great news: the building cost spiral is returning to normal

- October 13, 2023 3 MIN READ

Anyone who has recently built a house or completed a renovation will know first-hand the exorbitant rise in construction costs due to post-pandemic supply chain issues and labour shortages. This building cost spiral has also sent builders who had fixed price contracts in place before the upheavals, broke.  The cost increases have been a major… Read more »

RBA keeps interest rates steady
News

Business as usual at the RBA

- October 6, 2023 3 MIN READ

RBA Board meeting week and it was steady as she goes. A change in RBA Governor from Philip Lowe to Michele Bullock made no difference at all… and I suspect that was the point. There was all sorts of talk in the lead up to the meeting about whether Michele would stamp her own unique… Read more »