This is where we note various pieces of data, and other selected and topical items of interest as they arrive in our inbox.
We will add to it continously during the day.
Feel free to send us suggested content - to news@interest.co.nz
8:20 am Explaining the growing US labour market pressures (DC)
This from Fathom Consulting:
Two thirds of the fall in the US participation rate since 2008 is explained by the ageing of the US population; cyclical and other structural factors explain the rest. Consequently, the US labour market is tight, even though the equilibrium unemployment rate has fallen since 2008. Wages are set to accelerate. Many baby boomers have done well and are ready to leave the labour market, but those who remain in it can demand a higher price for their labour as a result.
8:40 am Chocolate may get scarcer, pricier (DC)
Analyst Commerzbank is saying "disappointing crops" in the key West Africa producing region, with deliveries to Ivory Coast ports running this season -11% behind the pace of 2014-15. "To cap it all there are problems with quality - in many cases beans are too small to satisfy the requirements for export. A sizeable supply deficit on the cocoa market is realistically on the cards in 2015-16."
10:00 am NZGB 2021s now under 2% (DC)
As we suggested it might happen in 90@9, early trading in NZGB 2021s has in fact slipped below 2%. We are pretty sure that is an all-time historic low.
10:13 am Online retail still gaining momentum (DC)
BNZ is reporting that online retail sales at local sites followed a strong April with a similarly positive result in May - up 15% on May last year. Online purchases by Kiwi’s from offshore sites also turned in double digit-growth (up 13% on last May), albeit not quite as strong as in recent months.
12:00 pm FMA calls out high churn by insurance brokers (DC)
The FMA has been reviewing the sales practices of the insurance distribution industry. Their report out today is actually a quite concerning.
1:50 pm Westpac MNI China Consumer Sentiment Indicator Ticks Higher in June (CS)
Chinese consumer sentiment rose in June and there are indications that the recent volatility in this indicator has settled.
We welcome your comments below. If you are not already registered, please register to comment.
Remember we welcome robust, respectful and insightful debate. We don't welcome abusive or defamatory comments and will de-register those repeatedly making such comments. Our current comment policy is here.