The Economic Update – August 2012

US – the housing sector and industrial production improved further but the broader measure of durable goods orders fell.
Europe – mixed signals reflecting the ‘north-south’ divide. Concerns about Spain’s banking sector and sovereign debt persist.
Japan – cause for optimism despite signs of moderation.
China – further signs of slowing growth despite recent policy intervention.
Australia – encouraging signals of strength from the mining sector and jobs market. Strong performance on equity markets in August after a volatile July. Property also gai…