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Articles
A few screws loose?
Super & Retirement Question
The true measure of financial strength
Small Business & General Business Tax Break
Investment Markets Data - To 28th February 2009.
Super beyond the gloom
Why do companies care when their share price falls?
Reduction to minimum pension drawdowns for 2008/09.
Double-edged sword
Investment Market Data - to 31st January 2009.

Fed to use all tools to help US economy

Lessons learned the hard way

Superannuation Funds Allowed to Give Guidance

More cruel advantage in a troubled market
Investment Markets Data - To the 31st December 2008

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Investment Markets Data - To the 31st December 2008
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Investment Markets Data - To 31st December 2008.

Economic Indicators 

Economic GrowthQuarterYear
Australian GDP0.1% (Sept 08)1.9% (Sept 08)
U.S. GDP (annualised)-0.5% (Sept 08)0.7% (Sept 08)
Inflation
Australian CPI1.2% (Sept 08)5.0% (Sept 08)
U.S. CPI---1.1% (Nov 08)
Unemployment
Australian Unemployment Rate---4.4% (Nov 08)
U.S. Unemployment Rate---6.7% (Nov 08)
Official Interest Ratesat 31st December 08at 31st November 08
RBA cash rate4.255.25
US Federal Funds Rate0.251.00
Bank of Japan0.100.30
European Central Bank2.503.25
Bank of England2.003.00
10 Year Bond Rates
Australian Interest Rates - 10 year bond yield3.994.60
U.S. Interest Rates - 10 year bond yield2.212.92
Exchange Rates
$A/$USD Exchange Rate0.69720.6512
$A/$EUR Exchange Rate0.50160.5132
$A/$GBP Exchange Rate0.48490.4244
$A/$JPY Exchange Rate63.201262.0235

INVESTMENT MARKETS DATA:

Investment market performance to 31st December 2008

Asset class

Index

1 mth %

3 mths %

6 mths %

1 yr % pa

2 yr % pa

3 yr % pa

5 yr % pa

Australian cash

UBSA bank bill index

0.4

1.7

3.7

7.6

7.2

6.8

6.3

Australian fixed interest

UBSA composite bond index

1.2

6.3

12.0

14.9

9.1

7.0

6.8

International fixed interest

Lehman global aggregate (hedged)

2.5

4.8

6.9

9.2

7.9

6.7

7.1

Australian property

S&P/ASX 300 A-REIT index

-10.4

-33.2

-34.3

-55.3

-36.0

-18.1

-3.9

International property

UBS global investors index ($A hedged)

7.6

-38.4

-29.0

-45.7

-32.6

-14.4

n/a

Australian share

S&P/ASX 300 accum index

-0.1

-18.5

-27.2

-38.9

-15.7

-4.0

6.7

International share (unhedged)

MSCI world ex Australia ($A unhedged)

-3.7

-11.3

-8.2

-24.9

-14.5

-6.6

0.9

International share (hedged)

MSCI world ex Australia ($A hedged)

1.2

-22.8

-31.5

-39.1

-19.7

-8.8

-0.7

International smaller companies

S&P / Citigroup World <US$1.5bn cap ($A unhedged net div)

-0.3

-15.8

-13.8

-29.5

-19.6

n/a

n/a

Global emerging markets

MSCI EM in $A (div reinvested)

0.7

-18.1

-27.2

-41.2

-14.2

-3.3

9.3

Important information

The information contained in this publication is current at the date of issue and may change over time. This publication has been prepared to provide you with general information only. It is not intended to take the place of professional advice and you should not take action on specific issues in reliance on this information. In preparing this information we did not take into account the investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any particular person. Before making an investment decision you need to consider (with or without the assistance of an adviser) whether this information is appropriate to your needs, objectives and circumstances.

 

 



23rd-January-2009