1. Experts warn fixed rates on loans to rise

The Reserve Bank Governor might be telling us that he won’t raise interest rates until 2024 but what about the banks? The country’s banks have only $90 billion left in cheap credit provided by the RBA to soften the blow of the coronavirus. A strong economy and surging property prices means there’s a big demand for loans and without this cheap loan money, experts are warning that fixed interest rates will rise. So get in while the borrowing is good and cheap.

2. Is Beijing now targeting iron ore?

China has been slapping tariffs on Australian exports such as wine and coal. Is Beijing now targeting iron ore? China takes about 75% of our iron ore from the likes of BHP and with iron ore prices above $US200 a tonne, the taxes on miners adds $36 billion to the Budget bottom line. The industry suspects Beijing is telling its steelmakers to cut back on production to reduce the price. This is hurting the share prices of our big miners.

3. Covid changes our shopping habits

A CBA survey into our shopping habits found the Coronavirus has changed us. The CBA’s Insights Report says Aussie consumers are now eager to buy locally sourced products, are frequenting neighbourhood shopping centres like never before and many are cutting overall spending to preserve cash. Some of this could be because a quarter of those surveyed said they had less money to spend because of the virus.

4. More US states launch vaccination lotteries

The US states of New York, Maryland and Oregon have launched lotteries with prizes of up to US$5 million for those receiving the COVID-19 vaccine after the 'Vax-a-Million' lottery in Ohio saw a 53% week-to-week increase in vaccines administered. "This dramatic increase in vaccinations indicates that the Vax-a-Million drawing has been impactful in creating momentum for vaccinations throughout Ohio," said Ohio Department of Health director Stephanie McCloud.

5. Nasdaq and ASX 200 up for the week

Despite a fall on Friday, the Nasdaq remained up 0.23% for the week and was the only major US index to end the week in the positive. The Dow Jones was down 0.51% from a week earlier, while the S&P 500 fell by 0.43%. The S&P/ASX 200 was also up with a weekly gain of 0.23%.