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Chief economist update: Recovery flashing hot, hot, hot

BENJAMIN ONG  |  MONDAY, 24 MAY 2021
Latest statistics from Markit Economics shows the global recovery is heating up. However, so is inflation. But are these merely transient pressures, or a sign of things to come?

Chief economist: The wages of slow wages growth

BENJAMIN ONG  |  THURSDAY, 20 MAY 2021
The acceleration in inflation provides a good omen for wages growth, particularly for those whose pay increases are tied to CPI. Then again, rising consumer prices relative to wages growth could spell trouble.

Chief economist update: Confidently sustaining the recovery

BENJAMIN ONG  |  WEDNESDAY, 19 MAY 2021
Is Australia getting so much of a good thing in the way of consumer confidence that a bad thing like rising inflation could be on the way?

Chief economist update: A half-glass full look at inflation

BENJAMIN ONG  |  MONDAY, 17 MAY 2021
Fears over inflation eased at the start of last week after the US Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed disappointing labour market figures.

Chief economist update: Be afraid of inflation expectations

BENJAMIN ONG  |  FRIDAY, 14 MAY 2021
The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis president believes inflation is going to rise above target for the first time in many years. So what can we expect the Federal Reserve to do about it?

Chief economist update: Inflation scare

BENJAMIN ONG  |  THURSDAY, 13 MAY 2021
All four US benchmark equity indices dropped overnight - the Dow by 1.99%; the S&P 500 by 2.1%; the Nasdaq composite by 2.7%; and the Russell 2000 by 3.3%. And there's only one reason why.

Chief economist update: Frydenberg spends big

BENJAMIN ONG  |  WEDNESDAY, 12 MAY 2021
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg is splurging around $74.6 billion to secure Australia's recovery.

Chief economist update: Iron ore is the glue that binds China and Australia

BENJAMIN ONG  |  TUESDAY, 11 MAY 2021
The price of iron ore continues to heat up, smashing the all-time high of US$191.70 a tonne recorded more than 10 years ago.

Chief economist update: Bad news is good news is back

BENJAMIN ONG  |  MONDAY, 10 MAY 2021
Wall Street benchmark equity indices closed on the up and up on Friday, just as the US Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed disappointing labour market insights.

Chief economist update: Did the BOE just announce taper?

BENJAMIN ONG  |  FRIDAY, 7 MAY 2021
The central bank will slow bond purchases to £3.4 billion a week between now and August, but stressed "this operational decision should not be interpreted as a change in the stance of monetary policy". Don't call it taper.