The Australian Financial Review --- Page: 5 : 1 February 2007 Original article by Adrian Rollins
ABIX Summary
New data in Australia show just how complex the Australian economy is. There is some indication that Australian businesses and consumers have been hit by the three interest rate rises in 2006. Housing credit growth in 2006 was down from the high rates of 2003. However, analysts believe that the shortage of skilled labour in Australia and the tight labour market will eventually show up in higher housing prices, perhaps later in 2007. The idea is that consumers secure in their jobs will gradually take on more debt.
