The coronavirus is first and foremost a public health issue, but it is also having a very major impact on the economy and the financial system. As the virus has spread, countries have restricted the movement of people across borders and have implemented social distancing measures, including restricting movements within countries and within cities. The…

The coronavirus has had a significant impact on investment markets. Bob Cunneen, Senior Economist at MLC, discusses what to expect over the coming months.

Highlights: Despite a reasonably robust underlying economy, the impact of the coronavirus is likely to weigh heavily on the US and other China-exposed economies. The Australian government is preparing to release a targeted fiscal stimulus response to support economic growth and avoid a recession. Geopolitical and trade tensions have been forced out of the spotlight,…

At its meeting today, the Board decided to lower the cash rate by 25 basis points to 0.50 per cent. The Board took this decision to support the economy as it responds to the global coronavirus outbreak. The coronavirus has clouded the near-term outlook for the global economy and means that global growth in the first half of…

Which key events have been driving markets? Watch this video of Senior Economist Bob Cunneen in discussion with Portfolio Specialist, Natalie Comino.

Highlights: Markets enjoyed a reprieve from the US-China trade war, although the issue is expected to remain live as we near the US presidential election in November. Geopolitical tensions gave way to the outbreak of the coronavirus, resulting in travel restrictions and quarantine measures imposed by the Chinese authorities. The worst appears to have passed…

At its meeting today, the Board decided to leave the cash rate unchanged at 0.75 per cent. The outlook for the global economy remains reasonable. There have been signs that the slowdown in global growth that started in 2018 is coming to an end. Global growth is expected to be a little stronger this year and next…

  Highlights: Both the US and China are optimistic that a ‘phase one’ trade deal will be reached, but subsequent negotiations will likely prove more difficult. Tension between the US and Iran following the US assassination of Iranian general Soleimani has left markets on edge. The devastation from the Australian bushfires will have a significant…

  MLC Australia Senior Economist Bob Cunneen speaks to MLC Portfolio Specialist Sinead Rafferty, CFA about the end-of-2019 market rally and rise in the Aussie dollar, and global uncertainty for 2020.

  Highlights: Markets have reacted favourably to the prospect of a ‘phase one’ trade deal between the US and China, which would involve a roll-back of tariffs. Positive developments on the trade front would come at the right time for the US economy, which has suffered from a deterioration in business confidence and investment. The…