Two-speed economy a conundrum for RBA

Sydney

AUSTRALIA'S two-speed economy is back - only this time, Sydney is leading an east coast boom while mining states lag.

Australia's biggest city contributed 38 per cent of the country's growth in the year through June, up from an average of 22 per cent in the past 24 years, consultancy SGS Economics & Planning Pty said in a Nov 27 report. Companies such as retailer Dick Smith Holdings Ltd are making hay as data showed sales of homewares, electrical goods and garden supplies in the New South Wales state surged in October by the most in 14 years.