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Economics

Aust property investment recovers in March - ABS

Property investment jumped in March, new figures showed today, the first increase after four months of decline following back-to-back interest rate rises last year.

WRAP - Ratings agencies greet pre-election budget

International ratings agencies have greeted Australia's federal Budget as a typical pre-election package with a number of "policy sweeteners", but one which maintains the country's strong economic position.

Housing finance may have finally risen in March: economists

Housing finance in Australia may have risen in March for the first time in six months, according to some economists, while others expect the nation's overheated property market to have continued to cool.

Aust business conditions broadly unchanged in April - NAB

Australian business conditions remained broadly unchanged in April but may be improving, with renewed strength evident in manufacturing and services, a new survey has shown.

Aust dollar tumbles more than one US cent over weekend

The Australian dollar tumbled by more than one US cent over the weekend to reach a six month low as the United States dollar soared on a much stronger than expected US jobs report.

Aust Liberal leadership speculation threatens Budget sell

The Australian Democrats have threatened to stall this week's Budget in the Senate amid questions about the long-term future of Treasurer Peter Costello.

RBA likely to lift rates once more this year: Economists

Australia's central bank looks like it will lift rates one more time this year, economists said today, after the Reserve Bank of Australia released its May 2004 quarterly monthly statement.

Businesses expect strong economic to continue

The outlook for Australia's economic growth remains strong and likely to preserve gains over the previous 12 months, according to the latest Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) survey of business expectations for the three months to June.

Greeenspan says US businesses, consumers able to handle rate rise

US consumers and businesses are financially fit enough to take an interest rate rise, Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan said Thursday.

Costello says ninth Budget to produce surplus

AAP  |  THURSDAY, 6 MAY 2004
Treasurer Peter Costello said today his ninth budget, to be handed down next week, would produce a surplus and continue the government's tradition of sensible economic management.