Preliminary estimates for December indicate that the index increased by 2.5 per cent (on a monthly average basis) in SDR terms, after increasing by 4.1 per cent in November (revised). The non-rural sub-index increased in the past month, whilst the base metals sub-index decreased, and the rural sub-index was unchanged. In Australian dollar terms, the index increased by 0.3 per cent in December. Over the past year, the index has decreased by 10.7 per cent in SDR terms, led by lower thermal coal and liquified natural gas prices. The index has decreased by 9.5 per cent in Australian dollar terms. Consistent with previous ... (full story)