The recent round of fundamentals from Australia paint it as one of the most resilient to the threat of the credit crunch economies. The most recent figures on demand in housing show construction index at a 15-month high. Likewise, the latest data from the retail sector reported last week indicate strong consumption trends and a pickup in food prices. No matter what the extent of Treasurer Costello's attempt to talk down the value of the Aussie is, Reserve Bank of Australia is taking notice, particularly with the August global liquidity crisis abating. Another strong figure from the labor sector, one whose ultra-tight ... (full story)