by Nerella Campigotto
If international expansion is on your agenda, this is a great time for seriously considering
In October 2009 Australia was the first in the Group of 20 to raise interest rates (and did so again in November and December taking it to 3.75%) prompted by a decrease in unemployment, and increases in the stock markets, house prices, business investments and retail sales. GDP is expected to grow above 3% in 2010.
At time of writing unemployment sits at 5.7% and is expected to decrease further next year. Close to 100,000 jobs were added in the three months to November 30. The two-year government bond yields 4.48% and the Australian dollar trades at around US$0.91.
A diversified export market has also contributed to the economy’s health.
Some additional 2009 rankings that indicate a strong economy:
· The World Economic Forum rates
· D&B’s Global Risk Indicator places
· The World Bank ranks
· The IBM Global Locations Trend Report places
· According to the Mercer Global Pension Index
· The Global Competitive Index ranks
· In 2009 the UN has placed