Australian Economy
The Australian economy is growing rapidly thanks to its amazing wealth of natural resources and close proximity to the largest and fastest-growing market in the world…Asia. Australia’s stable economy and regulatory system are helping Australian stocks earn a reputation of being some of the most reliable investments in the world. Not only do Australian stocks continue to reward investors with high dividends of 8,9,10 percent or more, but their reliability continues to draw more investor interest each year. A strong currency, principled corporate governance practices and quality earnings are just some of the reasons why the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) has been the best-performing stock market over the last 110 years.
Our Australian economy and stocks archive below uncovers some of the most profitable trends affecting your Australian holdings. To learn more about investing in Australia, check out Australian Edge, the premium investment service from Roger Conrad and David Dittman.
Australia’s Resource Sector Takes Another Tax Hit
The ruling Labor party’s latest budget curtails a key deduction for mining companies, which is just the latest headwind for the beleaguered sector.
Australia Opts for More Easy Money
This week, the Reserve Bank of Australia cut its benchmark cash rate to its lowest level in more than 50 years. And the financial markets along with most economists are expecting further cuts ahead.
Low Inflation Guides Australia’s Easy Money
The Reserve Bank of Australia’s key lending rate remains at historic lows, and tepid inflation gives the central bank ample room to lower it even further.
Woodside Declares Special Dividend, Boosts Target Payout Ratio
Woodside Petroleum Ltd (ASX: WPL, OTC: WOPEF, ADR: WOPEY) has put off further development of a couple major projects in recent weeks. But management also announced a game-changing plan to distribute more cash to shareholders.
Super Miners Slouch Toward Bargain Bin
It's been a tough run for BHP Billiton Ltd (ASX: BHP, NYSE: BHP) and Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO, NYSE: RIO), some of the share-market downside the result of self-inflicted wounds, some of it due to shifting macro sentiment. But both diversified resource giants have the stuff to build wealth for the long term.
Telstra Wins Regardless of Aussie Electoral Outcome
Australia’s opposition Coalition has reassured the telecom giant’s shareholders that they’ll still be made whole should they win power in September and implement their scaled-down plan for the country’s National Broadband Network.
Foreign Central Banks Support Australian Dollar
Foreign central banks continue to add to their Australian dollar holdings, providing support for the aussie even as the Reserve Bank of Australia attempts to weaken it.
Australia’s Taxing Matter
Although Australia’s carbon tax has no shortage of critics, so far it’s proving to be less of an economic hurdle than the country’s soaring currency.
Labor Unrest Hits Aussie, Flash China PMI Lifts It
A festering rivalry threatens the Labor Party's tenuous hold on Australia's government, though the Flash China PMI report for March suggests one of the Lucky Country's most important trading partners continues to stabilize.
Aussie Asset Sales
Amid a slumping global economy and falling commodity prices, two resource giants are poised to sell non-core assets in order to raise capital and streamline their operations.
