Market calendar

Balance of payments and details of Australia’s international investment position for the December quarter are released today.   more

The TD Securities-Melbourne Institute Monthly Inflation Gauge for February is released this morning. The gauge provides the latest inflation update whereas the ABS releases its Consumer Price Index (CPI) each quarter. Expect wide coverage by the financial press and economists’ newsletters.   more

The Australian retail trade figures for January are released today.   more

The Reserve Bank meets this morning, and reports at 2.30 this afternoon on the meeting’s outcome. These meetings are being followed with particular attention at this time to learn whether the bank will move on official interest rates.   more

Australian commercial and residential building approvals for January are released today.   more

The US Federal Reserve today releases its latest Beige Book, which is a collection of anecdotal information on economic conditions from banks, bank directors, business contacts, economists and market experts. This vital information is published eight times a year.   more

Australia’s figures for international trade in goods and services during January are released today.   more

The much-studied NAB Monthly Business Survey & Economic Outlook is released today. This is a survey of how 350 small-large companies outside the farm sector are performing.   more

The influential monthly Westpac-Melbourne Institute Survey of Consumer Sentiment is released today. From this survey, the institute creates an index reflecting consumers' evaluations of their household financial circumstances over the past year and the coming year as well as their expectations for economic conditions over the coming year and the next five years. And consumers are asked for their views about the conditions for buying cars and homes, and about the wisest places to invest and save.   more

Australia’s labour force figures for February are released today.   more

The latest Reserve Bank Bulletin is released at 11.30am today, providing more pointers to the state of the Australian economy. The bulletin covers a wide range of current financial and investment issues.   more

The figures for US international trade in goods and services during January are released today. These provide a valuable insight into the US economy.   more

Australian lending finance figures for January – covering housing, personal, commercial and leasing finance – are released today. These provide another key measure of the economy.   more

The figures for US housing starts and permits during February are released today. These are a key indicator of an economic struggling to get back on track.   more

The Reserve Bank releases at 11.30am today the minutes of its monetary policy meeting on March 2, revealing more of the bank’s latest views on interest rates and inflation.   more

Given Australia’s shortage of housing, today’s release of preliminary national figures for housing commencements over the December quarter will be closely studied.   more

The Melbourne Institute Monthly Bulletin of Economic Trends is released at 11am today. This report provides a forecast for our economy over the next four quarters while giving a succinct and timely update of its present state. It covers such areas as GDP growth, consumption, unemployment, the inflationary outlook, 90-day bill rate, and exchange rate.   more

This is the final date for businesses to lodge their monthly business activity statements (BAS) for February and to pay any necessary tax. (Dates can differ if using a tax agent.)   more

New car sales figures for February are released today.   more

This is a key measure for the US and world economies. Figures for February are released today.   more

The Reserve Bank releases The Financial Stability Report, providing the bank’s assessment of the current condition of Australia’s financial system and risks to its stability. The report’s occasional special articles attract much attention. The report is released at 11.30am.   more

Australian commercial and residential building approvals for February are released today.   more

The Australian retail trade figures for February are released today.   more

The ABS Australian business indicators for April are released today. This publication covers business sales, profits and inventories.   more

The latest US Consumer Confidence Index released today by the Conference Board is a much-studied indicator. It is based on a survey of 5000 US householders.   more