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Introduction

You might think that only importers and exporters pay attention to the value of the Aussie dollar, but movements in the exchange rate affect us all.

What are the main influences on exchange rates? Ultimately it comes down to supply and demand, and that can be determined by a number of things:

Introduction

GDP. If ever there were three letters designed to make us yawn, these would be solid contenders. So why are they so frequently on the lips of politicians, economists and finance journalists? More importantly, what does GDP mean for everyday Australians like you and me? Let’s get the boring bit out of the way first.

What is GDP?

GDP stands for Gross Domestic Product, which is the value of all of the goods and services produced by a particular country. This includes, amongst other things, private and public purchases, government spending, investment, plus the value of exports minus the value of imported goods and services.

Yep, boring.

Except that GDP provides a relatively simple way of conveying the overall strength of a country’s economy which directly affects our lives.

Introduction

That $50 note in your pocket. What’s it worth? “$50,” you say, probably thinking it’s a dumb question. But is it really? Or a sheet of plastic and a bit of ink that likely cost the note printer less than a cent? Your $50 note only has value because the government declares that it does.

This lack of intrinsic value means your $50 note, and the balances of bank accounts that represent most money in circulation, might better be described as currency rather than ‘real money’. For the majority of us most of the time this distinction is of no great importance, but there are times when it matters a great deal.

Introduction

Banks are now increasing interest rates regardless of the Reserve Bank's official cash rate, but still no one knows with any certainty, what the future holds for rates and to what extent.

Most predictions are that they will remain at the low end for some time to come, so while borrowers love low rates and savers curse them, what can be done to make the most of the situation?