Members Equity shows plans for industry funds merger - 2004-02-09
The industry fund movement yesterday disclosed plans to build enough clout to compete with the big four banks.

Once the ME deal is done, and with a potential market reach through its workplace-based superannuation schemes of between 6 million and 7 million employees, the combined operation is then planning to offer a suite of mortgage, superannuation, credit cards, savings and investment products.
Read the full story at Melbourne Age

Interest rates must rise, warns Reserve - 2004-02-09
The Reserve Bank's finger is still on the interest rate trigger and it is targeting diehard borrowers and housing investors. Yesterday it indicated that it is poised to raise interest rates again to keep a lid on soaring household debt.

Economists said rates could be lifted by as much as another half a percentage point by the middle of this year. That would add around $33 to monthly repayments for every $100,000 of borrowing and take the rate on a standard variable mortgage to about 7.57 per cent.
Read the full story at Melbourne Age