The nation’s agricultural sector can expect a strong economic performance this year, according to the latest outlook from agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank .

But the annual report warns the sector is unlikely to replicate last year’s “exceptional” performance.

Analysts found that a standout year in 2022 with record commodity prices and strong production levels has put the country’s farmers in a good position for the year ahead.

“2023 will bring many opportunities (but) those with overly inflated expectations of a repeat of 2022 might be disappointed as the world heads into recession,” the agribusiness outlook found.

Beef, dairy, grain, oilseeds and canola prices hit record levels in Australia in 2022 alongside some record production levels.

Those record high commodity prices were driven by the war in Ukraine , COVID-related supply chain issues and labour shortages as well as volatile input prices.

Read more: Outlook rosy for farmers despite cost pressures [AAP]

Source: https://au.news.yahoo.com/outlook-rosy-farmers-despite-cost-010125054.html

This article does not constitute investment advice or a personal recommendation. You should not make any investment decisions without first conducting your own research and considering your own financial situation.

Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

Narrations are not endorsements.

SYDNEY , Feb. 7 ( Xinhua ) — The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA ) on Tuesday increased the cash rate target by 25 basis points to 3.35 percent, delivering a ninth straight hike since the central bank began raising rates in May last year.

The RBA also lifted the interest rate on Exchange Settlement balances by 25 basis points to 3.25 percent.

RBA Governor Philip Lowe said in a statement that in Australia , CPI inflation over the year to the December quarter was 7.8 percent, the highest since 1990, while in underlying terms, inflation was 6.9 percent, which was higher than expected.

“Global factors explain much of this high inflation, but strong domestic demand is adding to the inflationary pressures in a number of areas of the economy,” said the governor.

According to the statement, the central bank’s forecast for CPI inflation is to decline to 4.75 percent this year and to around 3 percent by mid-2025, with GDP growth expected to slow to around 1.5 percent over 2023 and 2024.

“The full effect of the cumulative increase in interest rates is yet to be felt in mortgage payments,” Lowe noted.

With an aim of returning inflation to the 2-3 percent range, the central bank expects further increases to be needed over the months ahead.

The latest report from Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ) and Roy Morgan showed that Australian Consumer Confidence was down 3.2 points to 83.6 from Jan. 30 to Feb. 5 , the largest weekly drop for six months since early August 2022.

“Consumer confidence experienced its biggest weekly fall since early August 2022. Confidence about current and future finances fell sharply, perhaps sparked by concerns about the extent of cash rate rises after the Q4 inflation print,” said ANZ Senior Economist Adelaide Timbrell.

Read more: Australian central bank lifts cash rate to 3.35 pct [Xinhua News]

Source: Xinhua

This article does not constitute investment advice or a personal recommendation. You should not make any investment decisions without first conducting your own research and considering your own financial situation.

Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

Narrations are not endorsements.