Daily FNArena News

Will Australia get another rate rise on Tuesday?

Retail sales rose 0.5% but the gain was driven solely by higher food prices as economists note consumers are cutting back on more discretionary spending.

Oil prices have surprised many on the upside this year so CBA commodity strategist David Moore has identified some signposts investors can use to help determine where prices may go.

Chinese manufacturers are indicating their operational circumstances are improving fast while inflationary pressures are subsiding.

Copper producers are making 75% margins in Chile. Chilean mineworkers can’t afford food. What do you think might come next?

Industry consultant MEPS suggests stainless steel prices are likely to continue rising, driven largely by higher input costs.

Evidence suggests economic de-coupling between Asia and the West is well and truly underway but GaveKal suggests it will need falling food prices for financial markets to also de-couple.

Continuing its trend of disappointing production results Lihir has fallen short of expectations for the March quarter but brokers are keeping the faith on valuation grounds.

March credit data for the Australian economy shows a trending down in the level of economic activity as the RBA’s recent rate hikes begin to bite on spending patterns.

ANZ Bank’s latest report into the Australian commerical property market shows confidence levels remain high despite the global financial crisis.