A surge in bank stock prices this week screams that our economic outlook isn’t as bad as we thought but, typically, the media is focused on bad news.

A strange quirk of the statistical calendar is that each new season is ushered in by a barrage of new economic data. So, the ‘Winter Whirlwind’ is upon us – around a dozen surveys or data releases are scheduled over the coming week.

Catch up on the latest market and economic news from Australia and around the world.

Catch up on the latest market and economic news from Australia and around the world.

An eclectic mix of data is expected over the coming week including readings on the job market and consumer spending.

Anyone who follows me won’t be surprised that I’m shining the light on the positive news that’s out there. Going to the dark side has absolutely no value.

Catch up on the latest market and economic news from Australia and around the world.

The impact of the COVID-19 economic shutdown will be laid bare next week.

Catch up on the latest market and economic news from Australia and around the world.

A busy week lies ahead with ‘top shelf’ economic indicators due for release with a Reserve Bank Board meeting and quarterly Statement on Monetary Policy.

ANZ has deferred its dividends and predicts over $1billion in COVID-19 damage costs, shares in Facebook and Microsoft rose overnight, NSW to relax isolation measures and MORE.

Analysts predict a $35billion bailout for the 'Big Four' banks, Alphabet (GOOGL) rose 7% in extended trading on Tuesday, Apple and Google's contact tracing toolkit to be released on Friday and MORE.