China and Emerging Markets

The Bank of Finland is forecasting Chinese growth will ease to 10% this year and 9% by the end of the decade, with inflationary pressures a major threat to the outlook in its view.

The Dow closed only slightly lower ahead of the Presidents’ Day long weekend, despite some disturbing economic data.

A surprise positive result in January retail sales was the catalyst to send the Dow up 178 points last night.

The Dow closed down 64 to end the worst week of trading since 2003.

Significant services sector contraction in January sent the Dow crashing down over 350 points.

A win by the Giants was meant to signal a bullish 2008. But instead the Dow fell 100 points.

The RBA will announce a rate rise on Tuesday, while Europe and the UK have rate decisions to make as well.

ANZ economists are not predicting a deep US recession, nor do they see any major problems for Australia.

The Dow opened down but closed up – a mere 452 point rally ensuing in the middle. It was all to do with bond insurance.

The market asked and the Fed delivered another 50 basis points in the wake of an ugly fourth quarter GDP.