The results were impressive to say the least. The outlook for consumer spending is a bit brighter than it was a week or so ago.

Our results for the first quarter confirm that discretionary consumer spending is softening in New Zealand and Australia.

I was a little apprehensive going in. But in his way, he was at least as impressive as Roberts.

The outlook for the group remains strong although the retail market is expected to remain highly competitive as consumer spending continues to be tighter this year,

There's no question Thursday and Friday's numbers could be a catalyst for a substantial move in the Treasury market.

It's been an uninspired, insipid day of trading. We are biding time for the next big report.