by Stephen Roberts | 13 May, 2013 | Economics, Laminar Economist Stephen Roberts
The surprise policy move by the RBA last week, cutting the cash rate by 25bp to a record low 2.75% is unusual in that it represents a further easing of an already very accommodating policy setting at a time when there is ample evidence that growth in household...
by Stephen Roberts | 7 May, 2013 | Economics, Laminar Economist Stephen Roberts
The RBA cut the cash rate by 25bp to 2.75%, contrary to our view that rates would be stable. Much of the accompanying statement was relatively upbeat about economic conditions noting that housing and consumption spending was starting to respond to earlier rate cuts....
by Stephen Roberts | 7 May, 2013 | Economics, Laminar Economist Stephen Roberts
Retail sales were weaker than expected in March, falling by 0.4% m-o-m (market consensus forecast +0.1%), although coming after very strong readings in January and February with each month up 1.3% m-o-m. Even with the weaker result in March the volume of retail sales...
by Stephen Roberts | 22 Apr, 2013 | Economics, Laminar Economist Stephen Roberts
Improving housing activity usually plays a key role in phases of economic recovery. Rising spending on housing tends to promote stronger retail sales – one of the so-called multiplier effects. Rising spending on housing also tends to boost house prices lifting...
by Stephen Roberts | 25 Mar, 2013 | Economics, Laminar Economist Stephen Roberts
Rising economic or political uncertainty usually casts a pall on the prospects for risk assets, but often the damage is temporary providing economic growth prospects remain promising. Uncertainty about how the bail-out for Cyprus will progress and even some doubt...
