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Economics

Australia looks for free trade deal with US; Thailand deal announced

AAP  |  MONDAY, 20 OCT 2003
Australian business is hoping US President George W Bush will commit to a free trade agreement between America and Australia when he addresses federal parliament on Thursday.

Merchandise imports rise to $11.49 billion in September: ABS

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) said the value of international merchandise imports into Australia has increased to $11.49 billion in September, compared with $10.88 billion in August and $10.61 billion in July.

Policy reflation likely for the US

In the third quarter of 2003, the negative gap between the Fed's funds rate and nominal GDP growth was likely the widest since the late 1970s thus leading to a greater stance of policy reflation in the US.

Australia highlights support for ongoing APEC meeting

In a press release presented to the Financial Standard by the office of Alexander Downer, the minister for foreign affairs, Australia's support for APEC in the ongoing meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, was highlighted in this country's Individual Action ...

APEC launches five-day Investment Mart

The five-day Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Investment Mart has kicked-off today in Bangkok, Thailand, ahead of the 21-nation group's leaders meeting slated for October 18-21.

Industrial action costs 270,000 working days in year to July: ABS

The number of industrial disputes during 2003 had reached 670, with 170,000 employees being involved and 270,000 working days being lost, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) said today.

No rate increases in near future: banks

AAP  |  THURSDAY, 16 OCT 2003
In what should come as a relief to Australians with home loans, the head of the St George Bank and a senior executive from the Commonwealth Bank of Australia both said yesterday they did not expect official interest rates to rise in the near future.

Labor marks Anti-Poverty Week with new proposals

The Federal Opposition Labor party will mark Anti-Poverty Week with a commitment to convene a national summit on poverty and inequality and set targets for income, employment, health, education and community services as part of a whole government strategy ...

Consumer sentiment rises to nine-year high: Westpac

AAP  |  WEDNESDAY, 15 OCT 2003
Consumer sentiment rose to a nine-year high in October with Australian households more confident about the economic outlook, a survey has found.

Government announces new draft legislature on super, foreign exchange

Draft legislation to allow splitting of superannuation contributions will assist families, according to Minister for Revenue and Assistant Treasurer Helen Coonan.