澳洲新闻 (ABC新闻快递) 2011-09-21

 The Reserve Bank looks set to keep interest rates on hold until the economic picture becomes clearer. In the minutes from its September meeting, the RBA highlighted increasing risks to global growth -- particularly in the eurozone -- and a softer-than-expected domestic economy. But the RBA says these developments are more likely to keep inflation at bay than warrant an interest rate cut. This month, they chose to leave the official cash rate at 4.75 per cent. 

 

The ratings agency Standard & Poor's has cut its rating of Italy by one notch¹ and warned of further downgrades. Standard & Poor's says the downgrade reflects its view of Italy's weakening economic growth prospects². The move by S&P surprised the market with expectations Moody's was more likely to downgrade Italy. 

 

The local share market focused on global economic concerns today. Adding to those reports, a Chinese state bank has stopped foreign exchange trading with several European banks. By the close, the All Ordinaries Index had lost 0.9 per cent. Banks and resources names gave up the most ground. Gold miners, though, headed higher. It was a volatile³ session for the Australian dollar. It's now buying 102.2 US cents. The price of spot gold is heading higher. Crude oil prices slipped on global economic worries.

1 notch   

n.(V字形)槽口，缺口，等级

参考例句：

• The peanuts they grow are top-notch.他们种的花生是拔尖的。
• He cut a notch in the stick with a sharp knife.他用利刃在棒上刻了一个凹痕。

2 prospects   

n.希望，前途(恒为复数)

参考例句：

• There is a mood of pessimism in the company about future job prospects. 公司中有一种对工作前景悲观的情绪。
• They are less sanguine about the company's long-term prospects. 他们对公司的远景不那么乐观。

3 volatile   

adj.反复无常的，挥发性的，稍纵即逝的，脾气火爆的；n.挥发性物质

参考例句：

• With the markets being so volatile,investments are at great risk.由于市场那么变化不定，投资冒着很大的风险。
• His character was weak and volatile.他这个人意志薄弱，喜怒无常。