Summary: Interview with Interview with economist Stephen Koukoulas Leon and Garry talk about issues including: · Eurozone unemployment running at a record 12 per cent in February, with more than 19 million people on the dole · Signs of a pickup in the US economy with US economic growth in the fourth quarter faster than originally thought at 0.4 per cent and manufacturing growing. As a result, Wall Street has hit a record high · Manufacturing activity in China growing at its fastest pace in almost a year · A currency deal enabling the Australian dollar to be converted directly into Chinese yuan, slashing costs for thousands of businesses, is set to be the centrepiece of Julia Gillard's mission to China next weekend. · The Reserve Bank of Australia holding the official cash rate unchanged at three per cent at its April board meeting, as had been widely expected. · Simon Crean pledging to oppose any move by the federal government to tax earnings on superannuation accounts. · The Australian Industry Group performance of manufacturing index (PMI) falling 1.2 index points in March to 44.4 points, extending the decline in Australia's manufacturing into a 21st consecutive month as falling selling prices and a strong currency hit hard. · Dun & Bradstreet's (D&B) National Business Expectations Survey revealing that investment expectations among Australian businesses are fading. · The RP Data-Rismark Home Value Index showing that capital city home prices shows the Australian property market is starting to pick up, with prices recording their largest quarterly rise since May 2010 · Three of the big four banks reporting a decline in corporate credit demand in February, illustrating the extent to which companies are putting borrowing decisions on the back burner until after the federal election in September. · Mergers and acquisitions in Australia slumping to an eight-year-low in the first quarter, led by a sharp fall in resources deals. · General Motors Holden receiving $2.2 billion in federal handouts over the past 12 years, 50 per cent more than past estimates · Telstra's struggling directories business Sensis getting a boost after the competition watchdog cleared its takeover of online business directory TrueLocal. · Qantas selling six times more tickets to Europe in the past nine weeks as part of its partnership with Emirates than it did in the same time last year. · A stoush erupting between unions and business groups over the Fair Work Commission's annual wage review, with the ACTU saying a $30-a-week minimum wage increase is needed to prevent Australia developing a class of working poor · Confidential NBN working documents laying bare the increasingly bitter relationship between NBN Co and its contractors, amid rising concerns about labour and skills shortages. · The Victorian government open to a large damages claim from builder Lend Lease over its handling of the $630 million Bendigo Hospital tender after the state government banned Lend Lease from bidding for new government work late last year. · Almost $US7 billion of investment in Australia's mining industry unveiled on the eve of Easter.
