Pigs have the Flu ......Week ending 4th Oct 2019

Welcome to my Friday dribble where we talk things agri sport and life.

This week the RBA dropped official interest rates to 0.75% saying they need to try and stimulate the economy. Not sure how this works. If you’re not stimulating your economy with 1% rates then are further cuts going to help..??

In theory the falling rates should put an end to bank bashing. Their margins must be contracting and with that, so should their profits.

Speaking of banks, a non-bank financial institution called Latitude Financial is about to IPO. Looking at its progress over the past few years and the management, the word Barge Pole comes to mind…. I wouldn’t touch this thing with your money, let alone mine…!!! In the lead up there will be more spin, fluff and optimism than a US election campaign, but 2 years from now look out as the wheels may fall off.

On agri stuff if you think meat prices are expensive, don’t hold your breath for them to fall. The suppliers are saying that with the drought, low AUD, high grain prices and African Swine Flu (ASF) there hasn’t been a tougher time.

Still on ASF and reports are suggesting that over 20% of global pig production has been culled in 2019. Further there is the possibility that 48% of global production will need to be culled to eliminate the problem. And let’s remember the problem is only 650kms north of our top end…..they have found ASF in Timor.

You have heard me talk about new cars sales before. The Sept figures came out yesterday and for the first time ever, I think, the top 3 biggest sellers are all dual cab 4WD’s. Hi-Lux, Ranger and Triton.

On sport and unfortunately the GWS Giants weren’t quite ready for the big time of an AFL grand final. Hopefully this Sunday’s RL GF will be a better contest.