THINGS GOING QUIET

Sources tell us that business activity in capital cities is tending quiet , as well as here in Darwin.Needless to say , consumer spending is subdued in most places . In Brisbane , there is closer examination of applications by individuals wanting to start new ventures ; those in business are watching all outgoings.

In WA, the housing market is quiet . The allocation of more funds to regional areas there , however, is expected to stimulate activity . Talk of further interest rates by the RBA and the big, overbearing 4, political uncertainty and grim economic news from the US, Europe and Ireland is making some more cautious .

Here in Darwin, some business are doing it tough , especially in the CBD , part attributal to seasonal conditions and council activities . As pointed out in an earlier blog ,the Aboriginal art market has taken a dive. High rents, home and land prices are driving some people out of the Territory . Alice has experienced a loss in population .