Bonds/Interest Rates

A consumer survey by Mortgage Choice shows property remains a popular investment in Australia, though affordability is an issue and household spending is being more closely watched.

Wall Street was unable to shake off European concerns at the end of the month despite some positive economic data. Dow down 46.

German insistence that European sovereign bondholders will have to take a haircut after 2013 if needs be has forced a de-rating of all euro-debt despite the Irish bail-out. Dow down 39.

With weak operating conditions facing banks in FY11, the ignorant government witch hunt is not exactly helping.

A wrap of events affecting the market on Friday night and the weekend and a preview of the week ahead.

A brief look at important company events and economic data releases next week.

A snapshot of economist responses to yesterday’s and today’s quarterly construction work and capex data.

With no new news from abroad last night, Wall Street jumped into holiday mode as jobless numbers and retailer results reversed Tuesday’s risk aversion. Dow up 151.

A threat of war on the Korean Peninsula added to global market woes last night as the Fed downgrades its US forecasts. Dow down 142.

Opinion pages and financial blogs have been going wild with visceral criticism of Ben Bernanke, the Fed, and its latest policy ploy. Is it justified?