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Coronavirus News

Chief economist update: Patience is the word

BENJAMIN ONG  |  THURSDAY, 18 FEB 2021
The US economy is not out of the woods yet and therefore, worrywarts need not be concerned over rising inflation - that would prompt the Fed taper policy accommodation.

Chief economist update: Amber alert

BENJAMIN ONG  |  WEDNESDAY, 17 FEB 2021
If there's one thing that matches (well, nearly) the exponential rate of infection from the coronavirus, it's the vertigo-inducing rally on Wall Street.

Chief economist update: Red metal turning red hot

BENJAMIN ONG  |  TUESDAY, 16 FEB 2021
The latest GDP growth updates show that the world's major economies remain in contraction, and the lingering uncertainty provides fodder for a bearish narrative for 2021.

To keep or not to keep JobKeeper

BENJAMIN ONG  |  MONDAY, 15 FEB 2021
Many are calling for an extension to the JobKeeper scheme, but recent statistics simply don't support that view. So what's a government to do?

Chief economist update: Light at the end of the Euro tunnel

BENJAMIN ONG  |  FRIDAY, 12 FEB 2021
It's beginning to look a lot like the Eurozone economy wouldn't be able to dodge a double-dip recession given tighter and/or extended coronavirus restrictions and lockdowns remain in place in many of its member countries.

Chief economist update: Money plus confidence

BENJAMIN ONG  |  THURSDAY, 11 FEB 2021
Would improved consumer and business confidence set off a virtuous cycle of increased household spending, higher corporate profits, create more jobs and boost consumer confidence?

Chief economist update: Nikkei not so fine

BENJAMIN ONG  |  TUESDAY, 9 FEB 2021
This disconnect between the real economy and stockmarket pricing has led to growing criticism that the Bank of Japan (BOJ) is distorting market pricing.

APRA releases final ERS figures

ELIZA BAVIN  |  MONDAY, 8 FEB 2021
APRA has revealed the final figures representing the impact of the government's early release of super scheme which saw 3.5 million Australians dip into their retirement savings.

Chief economist update: Disappointing jobs results raise Biden's stimulus bid

BENJAMIN ONG  |  MONDAY, 8 FEB 2021
There will always be pockets of profit-taking on Wall Street but the road to the end of 2021 is looking up, paved by the imperatives of fiscal and monetary policies.

Chief economist update: Oil gush

BENJAMIN ONG  |  THURSDAY, 4 FEB 2021
The mantra of 2020 is still in play as crude oil prices remain hostage to COVID-19 and its variant.