Christopher Joye

The “Sahm rule” suggests the US may be near a recession, and any sharp increase in unemployment will likely be met by aggressive Fed rate cuts.

In total, 1131 businesses went bust in the month, which was the largest number since ASIC started collecting these statistics in 1999.

The spike in US inflation has caught equity and debt investors napping.

Central banks delayed rate increases after the pandemic on the basis they could not forecast the future, but now use rubbery projections to rationalise rate cuts.

While the “everything” rally has excited risk junkies, inflation might spoil the party again.

With the advent of the $3.5 trillion in compulsory savings via superannuation, Australia has become a breeding ground for some of the best investment talent on the planet.

The big question is whether the RBA can resist political interference to lift the cash rate in November.

Struggling companies represent up to 15 per cent of all listed firms, and they’re being crushed by tighter monetary policy.

Businesses appear focused on paying shareholders rather than buying or building new equipment and technology, creating a profound productivity and inflation problem.

The start of the RBA’s second hiking cycle signals interest rates are likely to remain high for a long time, putting pressure on asset prices.