Australia Trade Surplus, Retail Sales Rose; Will AU200 Continue To Gain?

 | Jul 05, 2019 07:30AM ET

Improving trade surplus bullish for AU200

Trade surplus and retail sales rose in Australia. Will the AU200 stock index continue advancing?

Recent economic data from Australia were positive: Australia's retail sales rose in May and trade surplus hit record high. Retail sales rose by 0.1% in May after 0.1% decline in April, driven by stronger spending in restaurants and on household goods. Australia's trade surplus rose to a record A$5.745 billion in May following A$4.820 billion surplus in April, as exports rose by 4%, while imports rose by 1%.

The increasing export was supported by rising prices for commodities as well as weaken currency as the Reserve Bank of Australia lowered interest rates. The Reserve Bank of Australia cut interest rates for the second time in as many months on Tuesday to 1.00%, down from 1.25%, adding to a cut in June. Rising trade surplus and consumer sentiment is bullish for Australia’s stock market index.