Archived News for Finance Sector Professionals - May, 2013
A downturn in Australia’s mining output and worries of Chinese growth has driven the OECD’s Australian growth forecast down to 2.6 per cent.
Dwelling approvals records slight April rally
National dwelling approvals have recorded a slight upswing in April, recording the first rally in 2013 according to the latest figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
Government introduces infrastructure tax incentives
The Federal Government has introduced legislation before Parliament that will aim to provide incentives for infrastructure projects.
Consumer sentiments fall again
Consumer sentiment has taken a battering in May, with the lowest reading of the Westpac Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer Sentiment falling by 7 per cent over the last month.
ABS releases business details
The number of actively trading businesses in Australia increased by 0.4 per cent between the 2010–11 and 2011–12 financial years, according to figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today.
BSI on the mend in April
The Commonwealth Bank’s Business Sales Index (BSI) has continued its rally, posting a 0.5 per cent increase in trend terms in April, representing a 4.9 per cent growth in annualised figures.
Investments at peak finds BREE
Investment in major resources and energy projects has peaked at $268 billion, according to the latest report by the Bureau of Resources and Energy Economics (BREE).
Corfield named new Aussie chief
Home loan service Aussie has announced the appointment of Ian Corfield as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer.
Older Australians to be able to contribute more to super
The Federal Government has introduced legislation before Parliament that will allow Australians over 60 from July, and those over 50 from July 2014, to be able to contribute up to $10,000 more to their super at the concessional tax rate.
Investment to peak at $85 billion
Resources sector investment is set to peak in 201 at $85 billion, according to the latest figures released by international energy market experts Wood Mackenzie.
Budget secures Murray funding
This week’s Federal Budget has secured funding for the rollout Murray-Darling Basin reform, delivering on a range of key reforms according to Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke.
Confidence slumps as conditions deteriorate finds report
Business confidence has taken a battering over the past month, with conditions remaining very difficult and the tentative signs of a return to form all but drying up.
Migration Council releases 457 survey
Holders of 457 visas have a high level of job satisfaction, integrate well into the broader Australian labour force and provide critical skills that supplement the Australian economy, according to the latest findings from the Migration Council of Australia.
Unemployment at 5.5 per cent
Australia's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was estimated at 5.5 per cent in April, as announced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today.
Liechti named new ANZ's new Global Private Banking head
ANZ has announced the appointment of Manfred Liechti as the company’s new Managing Director Global Private Banking.
We're a nation of mediocre savers finds RAMS
Four in five Australians are concerned they’re not saving enough, while a third feel that they’re not saving sufficiently to meet their goals, according to the RAMS Savings Satisfaction Report 2013.
Businesses release government demands
Combating cost pressures, reducing burdensome red tape and relieving the tax burden are just some of the top demands of 1,700 of the nation’s businesses, according to the latest Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) survey.
RBA drops cash rate
The Reserve Bank of Australia has dropped the official cash rate to 2.75 basis points after its Tuesday meeting earlier this week.
Construction slumps in April
The nation’s construction sector has hit a seven month low in April, according to the latest Australian Industry Group (Ai Group)/Housing Industry Association (HIA)’s Australian Performance of Construction Index (PCI).
Even when the good times roll, Australians worry about money
Even when things are going well, almost 40 per cent of Australians ‘stress out’ about their personal finances, according to a new ANZ survey into Australians’ views on money.