1. Beta beware!…
Low Beta stocks are as cheap as they have ever been. This suggests the market is pricing in strong economic growth into stocks.
Source: JP Morgan (March 2024)
2. Extra gas…
Shell provided an interesting update on the air quality in Beijing as the city has transitioned from coal to gas. The increased demand for gas has seen a steady reduction in the number of unhealthy air quality days.
Source: Shell (March 2024)
3. Housing headroom…
Australia’s auction numbers over the past week were up 51% y/y, and the highest for this week since 2016. Although we note we may be seeing a slight pull forward in numbers given the Easter holiday.
Meanwhile the RBA’s financial stability review found over 40% of borrowers don’t have enough liquid savings to cover mortgage repayment and essential expenses for 3 months.
Source: Jarden (March 2024)
Source: ABS, RBA, Melbourne Institute, Securitisation System (March 2024)