Archived News for Finance Sector Professionals - June, 2013
Consumer confidence has rebounded in June to end in positive territory, according to the latest Westpac-Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer Sentiment.
Unemployment eases to 5.5 per cent
Australia's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was estimated at 5.5 per cent in May, as announced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
Unemployment rates steady in OECD
Unemployment rates in OECD countries have remained largely unchanged at 8 per cent, according to the latest figures released by the international organisation.
Business conditions muddle along
The nation’s business conditions have remained largely unchanged, with mediocre confidence continuing to plague the business community according to NAB’s monthly business survey.
Rates on hold as global growth stagnates
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has announced it has left the nation’s official cash rate unchanged at 2.75 per cent, following the board’s meeting earlier this week.
Confidence won't mean salary boosts finds Hays
Despite 40 per cent of businesses expressing confidence in the economy over the next year, and 68 per cent predicting increased business activity, employees shouldn’t expect to see a little extra something in their pay packets according to international recruitment specialists Hays.
Growth lower than expected
Latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures show that GDP, in seasonally adjusted volume terms, grew 0.6 per cent in the March quarter 2013.
Up the target urges new WWF report
Increasing the carbon price’s emission reduction target from 5 per cent to 25 per cent by 2020 would have a marginal impact on the economy, according to the latest economic modeling released by WWF-Australia.
CAD narrows finds ABS
Latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures show that in seasonally adjusted, current price terms, the current account deficit decreased $6,249m (42 per cent) to $8,510m in the March quarter 2013. Exports of goods and services rose $2,450m (3 per cent) and imports of goods and services fell $3,130m (4 per cent). The primary income deficit fell $681m (7 per cent).
Fair Work decision sees modest increase
The Fair Work Commission has handed down its National Minimum Wage decision, which will see a 2.6 per cent increase to the nation’s minimum wage.
ABS tracks tentative retail increase
The latest ABS Retail Trade figures show that Australian retail turnover rose 0.2 per cent in April 2013, seasonally adjusted, following a fall of 0.4 per cent in March 2013.
Inflation under control finds report
An independent report into the costs of living has found that inflation has been largely kept under control, rising by an estimated 0.2 per cent in May, following a 0.3 per cent increase in April.