News & Articles
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October 2024 Newsletter
It’s October and, as Spring delivers a bracing mix of weather events from rain and wind to snow and hail in some parts, we’re looking forward to the longer, warmer days ahead. Life Goes on Markets delivered with most asset classes performing well in the September...
Flight to Success
In the journey of achieving your financial and lifestyle goals, think of your personal financial strategy as the flight plan guiding us to your desired destination. Over the past year, we’ve navigated through varying market conditions, achieving solid results for...
September 2024 RBA Announcement
At its latest meeting, the Reserve Bank Board announced it was leaving the cash rate at 4.35 per cent. Please click here to view the Statement by Michele Bullock, Governor: Monetary Policy Decision. With the official rate on hold, we're watching closely what the...
Market Report: Sept. Qtr. 2024 & the Outlook ahead
Market Overview Two major events happened in September: the US central bank cut its interest rate by 0.50% (to a range of 4.75% - 5%), and China introduced new stimulus measures (the most significant since 2015 to support their very weak economy). Given these...
Sowing the seeds for a happy retirement
The thought of retirement is an enticing one for many of us. Imagine throwing off the shackles of the workforce and being able to do whatever you want, whenever you want. But why wait until you are retired to do the things you love? Retirement is a time where we...
Estate planning gives you a final say
Planning for what happens when you pass away or become incapacitated is an important way of protecting those you care about, saving them from dealing with a financial and administrative mess when they’re grieving. Your Will gives you a say in how you want your...
Harris versus Trump – implications for investors and Australia
Dr Shane Oliver - Head of Investment Strategy and Chief Economist, AMP CapitalKey points The US election has significant potential to impact markets. A Harris victory would mean more of the same, but a Trump victory could lead to uncertainty particularly around...
Making conscious the unconscious for better decisions
When you’re faced with a decision, do you trust your feelings or do you look at the situation objectively, making a careful list of pros and cons? Emotions exert a strong influence on our decisions, so it’s important to have a bit of balance between reason and...
The automotive industry sparking up with electric vehicles
With electric vehicles fast overtaking petrol driven cars in sales in Australia, what are the considerations for the industry, the environment, and consumers? The popularity of electric vehicles has been a long time coming. While electric vehicles may just be...
Shares around record highs as inflation slides, central banks cut rates and China stimulates
– but what about the Israel/Iran conflict & other risks?Key points Recession risks, the escalating Israel conflict, the US election along with still stretched valuations mean a high risk of another share market correction and continued volatility. The expansion...
Market movements and review video – October 2024
Stay up to date with what's happened in markets and the Australian economy over the past month. Interest rate speculation is rife after the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) kept rates on hold at 4.35% last month. RBA Governor Michelle Bullock believes it may be...
6 Tips To Make Your Detox Fun
Many people cringe when they hear the word detox. It sounds scary to them, they think they are going to be deprived, hungry and irritable, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Detoxing is about giving your body a break and allowing it to come into balance, and there...
7 ways to reduce your carbon footprint
As climate strikes continue to take place around the world, some small business owners are asking whether they can reduce their carbon footprint. Climate change is being heralded as perhaps the most serious issue our generation faces, with many initiatives taking...
Will house prices crash? And what’s needed to fix housing affordability
Key points Predictions of an Australian house price crash create lots of interest but have been a dime a dozen over the last 20 yrs. However, there is more to the surge in property prices than easy money with a supply shortfall being the main factor. Absent much...
How do retirement income options compare?
Retirement is filled with opportunities and choices. There’s the time to travel more, work on long-delayed personal projects or volunteer your help to worthwhile causes. You also have a host of choices to make when it comes to funding your new life away from paid...
Raising resilient kids
We all want the very best for our kids and as much as we would like to shield them from the difficult aspects of life, sadly we can’t keep them from facing challenges along the way – both big and small. The term ‘helicopter’ parenting has been bandied around a bit...
Holidaying off the tourist trail
When we dream of an overseas holiday, our minds often drift to iconic landmarks, bustling cities, and well-trodden tourist paths. While these destinations have their allure, travel to popular destinations is booming and comes with challenges so there are advantages...
Market movements and review video – September 2024
Stay up to date with what's happened in markets and the Australian economy over the past month. Global stock markets – including the ASX – largely stabilised by the end of August after a turbulent month. It was a rocky start when markets everywhere fell after news...
Why super and growth assets like shares really are long term investments
Key points While growth assets like shares go through bouts of short-term underperformance versus bonds and cash, they provide superior long-term returns. So, it makes sense that superannuation has a high exposure to them. The best approach is to simply recognise...
The rise of populism and bigger government – what it means for investors
Key points The continuing rise of populism globally – as evident in recent European elections and in the US with Trump and the Republican party – is signalling an ongoing shift away from economic rationalist policies in favour of greater government involvement in...
August 2024 RBA Announcement
At its meeting today, the Reserve Bank Board announced it was leaving the cash rate at 4.35 per cent. Please click here to view the Statement by Michele Bullock, Governor: Monetary Policy Decision. With the official rate on hold, we're watching closely what the...