Opinion

US yield curve drops on employment data

Employment data out of the US late last week highlighted a key point often missed when looking at the future of US interest rates. The Fed’s job is to maximise employment without letting inflation exceed their 2% target rate. The Fed doesn’t just monitor the number of people in jobs however, they also monitor underemployment

Monday 03 August 2015 by
Opinion

US GDP below market forecasts as expected

The US economy grew by 2.3% per annum in the 12 months to 30 June 2015, according to estimates of Q2 2015 GDP released last night. Markets were expecting 2.5% to 3.0% p.a. and FIIG had expected 2.4% p.a.

Friday 31 July 2015 by
Week in review

From the Trading Desk

Last week, APRA announced an increase to capital requirements for the four major banks and Macquarie. Greece used a bridging loan to pay its maturing debt to the IMF, ECB and Bank of Greece. The RBA released its minutes for the month stating further depreciation of the Australian dollar is likely and necessary. On the trading front, the flight to quality theme continues

Monday 27 July 2015 by
Week in review

From the Trading Desk

Greece accepts austerity measures, doubts about China’s 7% growth rate, UK and US interest rate rises on the cards

Monday 20 July 2015 by
Week in review

From the Trading Desk

Drama continues in Greece where banks have been closed for a fortnight, markets kept watch on China’s stock market and as expected, the RBA left the cash rate unchanged at 2%

Opinion

Volatility storms back

We explore the issues driving financial market volatility and derive four investment strategies to consider

Tuesday 07 July 2015 by
Week in review

From the Trading Desk

Greece votes ‘no’ and drives ‘risk off’ positioning, China takes further measures to support its equity market, the RBA to meet with market expectations of no rate change, strong volume is experienced in ‘safe haven’ assets such as inflation linked bonds and company updates on Adani and G8