Bonds/Interest Rates

Citi suggests China will slow its slowing while Merrill Lynch sees value in Australian banks.

For the first time in a long time, Wall Street fell as the euro rallied last night, based on financial regulation fears within the general panic. Dow down 376.

The euro fell then bounced hard last night and Wall Street again followed suit, turning a 186 point down day in the Dow into only 66 points down.

Westpac’s Australian consumer confidence index has tipped over, Germany’s confidence has plunged, and the US consumer is none too enthusiastic either.

There was a brief moment in the sun on offshore markets last night before Germany moved the goal posts and the euro sank once more. Dow down 114.

Monetary policy is well placed for the present, says the RBA.

The euro fell to near US$1.22 last night before rebounding back to near $1.24. The Dow fell 180 points but closed up 5. Yet commodities were absolutely trashed. (Locked for subscribers until 10:00 AEST)

BIS Shrapnel’s “Building In Australia 2010” report suggests Australia’s population growth is set to slow in coming years, with some flow through impact for the economy overall.

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.