There’s been big moves on equities and bonds today as talks between the US and China appear to be back on. That’s created a slight risk-on mood, helped also by stronger than expected non-manufacturing ISM numbers in the US. Phil Dobbie asks NAB’s David de Garis whether the markets will be as responsive to the release of non-farm payrolls numbers tonight. They also discuss what to expect from Jerome Powell when he talks later, given that central bankers seem to have sounding a little less dovish of late. What stance with the ECB take next week – a bazooka of measures still? Yesterday’s factory orders add to the depressing picture on the state of the German economy. And Phil suggests a new rule for cricket – just to give the poms a chance.
-
Getting ready to Ruble
Bond yields have pulled back a little today. NAB’s Gavinb Friend says the market is split between thowse supportive of the Fed and those worried that they might go too far. Meanwhile, Putin wants to be paid in Rubles for his gas.
-
Growth. Do We Really Need It?
Why is the economy is dependent on growth. Is it psychological – that we like to think we are better off – or is there a mathematical reason that demands growth?
-
New Zealand’s Privacy Challenge
The NZ PM seems intent on pushing it through new surveillance legislation. Why the rush? And what can we take from the semantics in his description of telecommunications metadata?
