Bonds/Interest Rates

Australian labour force data surprised on the upside for the fifth consecutive month, adding weight to the view the RBA will lift rates in March.

A leaked Chinese directive indicates China is set to move its vast foreign reserves away from risk assets.

The latest Westpac-Melbourne Institute Consumer Sentiment survey shows further rate hikes are expected, but consumers seem prepared.

Wall Street rapidly emptied last night ahead of the incoming blizzard. In the meantime it’s a Greek waiting game. Dow down 20. (Locked for subscribers until 10:00 AEDST)

Despite the RBA surprising the market by leaving interest rates unchanged earlier this month Australian consumer sentiment fell slightly in February.

Wall Street rallied strongly last night on rumours, but not confirmation, that Germany was preparing to guarantee Greek debt. Dow up 150.

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

Sovereign debt fears are snowballing in Europe, Sino-US relationships are edgy, and signs are tonight’s US jobs number may disappoint. Dow down 268.

The potential default of Greece is one thing, but Spain’s is a much, much larger economy. Is Europe heading towards an uncontrollable contagion?

Australian retail sales numbers for December fell short of market expectations.