Tag: interest rates

Monitoring cash flow should be your number one priority if you are a business owner; after all, cash is king. Part of this process is having careful control of debtors, for anyone that has experienced times of tight monetary control you know how critical this is in tough times.

In this news podcast, Leon and Garry talk about interest rates being put on hold – for now. But evidence suggests that latest interest rate rise has put pressure on the construction industry and BIS Shrapnel says it was premature. Also, could a Wikileaks cyber war be hitting Australia? Press play and have a listen.

Not even a sore throat can keep Garry away from the news desk this week. He and Leon discuss the near-certain likelihood of an interest rate rise before the Melbourne Cup, as well as James Packer's surprise sharemarket raid on the Ten Network and its consequences, plus all the latest business news in this episode of Talking Business.

In this podcast, Garry and Leon look at the Reserve Bank’s decision to keep interest rates on hold – for now. But the big four banks will give the RBA until next month to raise rates, or they say they will go it alone. In other news, the Department of Finance looks at $2.4 billion in cuts to pay for the pledges it made during its negotiations with the Independents, and the Housing Industry Association predicts a steep fall in housing starts as the federal stimulus measures fade.

Talking Business is a podcast review of the Australian economy, presented by seasoned business journalists Leon Gettler and Garry Barker, produced in association with the RMIT College of Business. It features interviews with prominent business leaders and expert analysis from RMIT academics. Download this podcast to hear RMIT economist Jonathan Boymal talk about the reduction in building approvals caused by interest rate rises, and job vacancy figures showing a tighter labour market.

Leon and Garry talk about how Australians should be bracing themselves for more interest rate rises, possibly four, as the RBA manages the largest minerals boom since the 19th century. Meanwhile, the Aussie dollar soars to a two-year high, and while Australia’s commodity forecaster predicts a jump in commodity exports, consumers continue to tighten their belts.

Garry and Leon talk about the new Labor government just scraping back into office. Download the podcast to find out how it will affect the outcomes of Australia’s credit rating, the mining tax, the NBN and more, plus all the latest in business news.

In this week’s podcast, Leon and Garry talk about the latest inflation figures coming in lower than expected and suggesting there will be no pre-election rate rise. Similarly, the cost of materials to business has grown at a modest pace, less than economists expected so inflation seems to be under control for now.

It's been a heavy news week. Talking Business is a podcast review of the Australian economy, presented by seasoned business journalists Leon Gettler and Garry Barker, produced in association with the RMIT College of Business. Just press play to listen.

Leon and Garry look at how the RBA has cleared the way for an August election by keeping rates on hold at 4.5%. Inflation is building a head of steam with the latest jobs figures showing unemployment now at 5.1% and the ANZ jobs series showing more companies are hiring.

RMIT economist Sinclair Davidson talks about the employment figures and Australia’s current account surplus. While it’s good news on the surface, it signals interest rate rises which he predicts will come in August, coinciding with the federal election. He also predicts that banks will raise their rates even higher than the RBA rate.

Be it in good economic times or bad, interest rates dictate how we spend our lives. Or more importantly, how we spend. Period. For many of us, how they are determined and interpreted seems to be the work of economics wizards and the faceless gods at the top of banking towers.

RMIT economist Sinclair Davidson talks about the latest employment figures, which look positive. He criticises the mining super tax, saying the government is all over the place on the issue and questions assertions in the Federal Budget that we are headed back for a surplus.

RMIT economist Sinclair Davidson talks about the latest employment figures, which look positive. He criticises the mining super tax, saying the government is all over the place on the issue and questions assertions in the Federal Budget that we are headed back for a surplus.

With recent interest rate rises, much talk has centred on how the increases are likely to affect families and mortgage repayments. However, the impact on small business owners and their cashflow shouldn’t be ignored.