Job Ads Down

Job ad figures came out yesterday and it looks like job ads are using up a lot less internet and paper. The Oliver internet job index fell 12.5% in March to be down 44.8% a year ago,. The ANZ index of newspaper and internet job ads fell by 8.5% in March. While it may take longer to find a job at least it will take less time looking for one.

Inflation is not a concern for the RBA at the moment as highlighted by the TD Securities / Melbourne Inst. inflation gauge which fell by 0.1% per month to be currently up 2.6% over the year.

Economists are in two minds as to an easing today. Some suggest the RBA may wait to see how the stimulus packages impact and then ease. My view is if they're likely to ease at some stage they should do it early before things deteriorate further. I'd like to see 50 points today but I may be forced to wait.