Dear %%first_name%%,

There’s just over a week to go before the Budget and while things are going to be tighter for many after next Tuesday, today I want to put forward the argument for why the Australian economy isn’t the basket case that many would have you believe.

Some of the measures that are being proposed – like the ‘levy’ – actually have the potential to slow growth. And if the Budget doesn’t also include measures to improve confidence, Joe and Tony won’t be on my favourite people list.

Also in the Switzer Super Report today, we have our SSR portfolio update for April. Our income portfolio is humming along nicely – at 1.9% above the market. Growth is lagging a little, but we’re confident it’s well positioned for the medium term.

James Dunn takes a look at the proposed Westfield restructure and poses the question: when have the Lowys ever done anything for you? And in Buy, Sell, Hold – what the brokers say, ANZ, BT Investment Management and Harvey Norman get upgraded.

Shortlisted looks at Capilano Honey and Resmed, Lance Lai’s chart analysis reveals there might be more consolidation for both the ASX/S&P200 and the S&P500, and a review of the auction clearance rates shows that the property market isn’t dead yet. And if you missed it on Friday, you can also listen to our monthly SSR webinar here.



Sincerely,

Peter Switzer

Last week, Paul Rickard and I fielded your questions in our monthly webinar. These are getting very popular but if you missed it, you can catch everything here.