Australia's jobless rate rises to 3.8% in March

Australia's jobless rate rises to 3.8% in March, below market forecasts of 3.9%. The number of unemployed individuals increased by 20.6 thousand to 569.9 thousand. Employment unexpectedly fell 6.6 million to 14.26 million in March.

Antipodean Central Banks Hint At Easing

Reserve Bank of Australia and the Reserve Bank of New Zealand signaled that monetary policy easing is approaching. Despite higher labor costs and weakening GDP growth, employment remained strong in both countries until the second half of 2024. The Antipodean central banks shifted to align their views closer to those of other leading central banks.

The Tides Of Time: The Impact Of Aging Demographics

Weekly Report: what happened at EWA last week (0408-0412)?

Weekly Commentary: Trouble Brewing In Financial Asset Wonderland

Doug Noland: The Fed's misguided dovish pivot unleashed precariously loose market conditions. He says the market is in the midst of a bubble. He argues that Bubbles can inflate to unimaginable extremes - and then quadruple. Noland says the late-cycle fear of Bubbles is missing out on the reality.

Canada And Australia: 2 Economies With Similar Challenges

Canadian GDP per capita declined for the 6th consecutive quarter in the final quarter of 2023. A new RBC study finds that half of new Canadian households by 2030 will not be able to buy a home. Australia and Canada have a lot in common when it comes to their economies. Both rely on commodities like minerals and oil and are facing similar challenges.

Weekly Report: what happened at EWA last week (0401-0405)?

Just Transition And Emerging Markets: Weighing The Risks

The concept of a "just transition" is gaining ground among investors concerned about the social risks of moving from fossil fuels to alternative energy sources. Coal- or oil-exporting countries with undiversified economies may face significant transition risks. These risks are particularly high in emerging markets. The Just Transition Index measures countries across a range of key indicators.

Weekly Commentary: Global Ring Of Fire

Money Market Fund Assets surged $70.5 billion last week to a record $6.111 TN. Milton Friedman: The Great Depression was the height of the boom and the depth of the depression. Doug Noland says we are in the "terminal phase of history's greatest boom and bust.

Australia reports smallest trade surplus in five months as exports fall while imports grow

Australia reports smallest trade surplus in five months as exports fall while imports grow. Australia's trade surplus on goods decreased to A$7.28 billion in February 2024. Exports of iron ore fell 2.2% month-over-month to a four-month low of A$45.52 billion.

RBA minutes: The bank not ruling in or out interest rate moves aims to return inflation target

RBA minutes: The bank not ruling in or out interest rate moves aims to return inflation target. The bank left the cash rate unchanged at 4.35% in Australia. The S&P/ASX 200 Index slid as the market assessed the minutes of the central bank's March meeting.

Weekly Report: what happened at EWA last week (0325-0329)?

EWA: Not Ready To Hop Down Under Just Yet

IShares MSCI Australia ETF offers exposure to the Australian equities market. The fund is concentrated in the financials and basic materials sectors. EWA experienced positive returns in 2023. Australia is a potential investment opportunity for the Asia Pacific region. Current valuations and macro headwinds make EWA a hold for now.

Australia's Monthly CPI inflation softer-than-expected to 3.4% in the year to February 2024

Australia's Monthly CPI inflation softer-than-expected to 3.4% in the year to February 2024. Latest data was the lowest since November 2021. Inflation remains outside the RBA's target range of 2-3%. S&P/ASX 200 Index rose 0.51% to close at 7,820.

Weekly Report: what happened at EWA last week (0318-0322)?

Weekly Commentary: That's Our Story.

Home Market Outlook Today's Market Weekly Commentary: That's Our Story. Doug Noland says Powell's dovish mindset was limited to the inflation backdrop. He says markets are convinced the Fed will respond hastily to fledgling risks. Powell says the Fed is not concerned about second round inflation effects.

Dynamics Down Under: Deciphering APAC's Economic Landscape

Home Market Outlook Economy Analysis Dynamics Down Under: Deciphering APAC's Economic Landscape. The Asia-Pacific region stands at a pivotal juncture. Wei Li, Global Chief Investment Strategist for BlackRock joined Oscar Pulido to discuss the intricacies of high inflation in the region.

EWA, RJMG: Big ETF Outflows

Australian Employment Surges In February

Big increase in full-time jobs and a sharp fall in the unemployment rate to 3.7%. Australia's headline employment increase for February smashed through expectations. The RBA is probably glad it didn't alter its policy stance. Inflation, rather than labour data, will be the main determinant of RBA policy.

Australia's March services PMI rises to 53.5, manufacturing PMI eases to 46.8

Australia's March services PMI rises to 53.5, manufacturing PMI eases to 46.8. Australian employment jumped 116,500 in February. The unemployment rate fell to a five-month low of 3.7%. The S&P/ASX 200 Index jumped 1.12% to close at 7,782 on Thursday.