Highlights: In October equity and bond markets were both a little weaker as investors worried about higher US interest rates and the outcome of the US elections. Crude oil prices were about 3% weaker as oil producer nations failed to agree to production cuts. Chinese economic data was relatively good helped by infrastructure and housing…

  In this update, Bob Cunneen, Senior Economist and Portfolio Specialist, reviews events in markets during October. He discusses: the softer performance of global shares how the prospect for higher US interest rates and a close Presidential election caused US shares to fall, and how our inflation rate picked up speed, casting doubt on further…

At its meeting today, the Board decided to leave the cash rate unchanged at 1.50 per cent. The global economy is continuing to grow, at a lower than average pace. Labour market conditions in the advanced economies have improved over the past year, but growth in global industrial production and trade remains subdued. Economic conditions…