Slowing housing, weak consumer spending and benign underlying inflation give the bank plenty of reasons to leave interest rates right where they are. Fuel prices are up, but thanks to an extremely competitive retail environment and cheap imports, prices for a whole range of items remain weak.
Shane Oliver
environment leave interest reasons cheap weak inflation give
The housing market remains in the doldrums. With the housing market still slowing and households under pressure from high petrol prices, interest rates will remain on hold.
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The China growth story, which has been driving commodity prices, remains as strong as ever
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Cheap products from China and a very competitive pricing environment is helping keep underlying inflation in check. Interest rates are on hold for the time being.
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We need other areas to fill the hole left by slowing consumer spending. Luckily mining investment and exports are increasing, which will help plug the gap.
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It's consistent with an economy that's starting to pull back up in Korea, with a bit of consumer demand starting to come through again. I would expect the unemployment rate will start to decline and will fall further.
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The situation is far healthier. The risk of another Asian crisis is very low.
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Rising fuel prices will keep a lid on consumer spending for some time, slowing economic growth. The central bank will keep interest rates on hold.
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You need to put effort into determining the return, which is largely linked to the risk of the borrower.
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Returns aren't going to be as tragic as some are portraying because the mining stocks are still looking fine. The resources stocks rely more on global growth so, to a degree, they're insulated from many of the woes afflicting our own economy.
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