Australia

Consumer Confidence Falls Before May Budget

Consumer confidence has fallen ahead of the May federal budget, as drops in commodity prices sparks worries about the economy. The Westpac/Melbourne Institute index showed consumer sentiment fell by 3.2 per cent in April to 96.2 points, staying below 100 points and indicating there are more pessimists about the economy than optimists. Westpac chief economist …

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Australian Business Conditions and Confidence Improve

Australian businesses reported a marked improvement in conditions in March as a pick-up in sales and profitability gave firms the confidence to pump up plans for capital investment, a survey showed on Tuesday.  National Australia Bank’s monthly survey of more than 400 firms showed its index of business conditions rose four points to +6 in …

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World Bank: China Slowdown Expected to Hit Australia

China’s worst economic slowdown in 25 years will hit Australia as iron ore prices tumble, the World Bank says.  One of the bank’s top economists says a more severe moderation was possible in the economy of Australia’s biggest trading partner. Australia’s growth pace had deteriorated sharply since the first quarter of 2014 as declining prices …

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