Home price falls accelerated in August – three reasons why this property downturn will likely be different Key points Australian home prices fell another 1.6% in August and are now down by 3.5% from their high. Rising mortgage rates are the main driver and there is likely more to go. We continue to expect a 15-20% top to bottom fall in home prices out to the second half of next year, followed by a …
The RBA starts raising rates – how far and how fast? And what does it mean for investors? Key points The RBA has hiked the cash rate by 0.25% taking it to 0.35% and signalling more rate hikes ahead. We expect the cash rate to rise to 1.5% by year-end and to 2% by mid next year. But the RBA will only raise rates as far as necessary to cool inflation and high household debt …
Share market falls – seven things for investors to keep in mind Key Points Share markets have fallen in recent weeks on the back of worries about inflation, monetary tightening, the Omicron disruption and the rising risk of a Russian invasion of Ukraine. Its too early to say markets have bottomed. Key things for investors to bear in mind are that: corrections are healthy and normal; in the absence of a renewed recession share market …
Christmas gifts that won’t blow your budget Christmas is a wonderful time of year in Australia, filled with summer foods, decorations and of course, gift giving. This year will feel even sweeter for many, as friends and family reunite for the first time in months, if not years. Here are a few ideas to help you stretch your Christmas gift budget further, so you can enjoy more family time, without the financial hangover. For many …
Correction time? Shares get the wobblies – seven things investors need to keep in mind Key Points Share markets have hit the wobbles lately on the back of a long worry list ranging from growth concerns, central bank tapering, the US debt ceiling and fears of about China Evergrande’s problems. Shares may still have more downside as it will take a while to resolve some of these issues. Key things for investors to bear in …
Should I still change jobs despite COVID-19? With pandemic lockdowns in place across much of the country, is now still a good time to look for a new job? After falling to a 10-year low in June, the unemployment rate is again tipped to edge higher. So what does the future hold for Aussie workers? Go back a month or two and you’d be forgiven for thinking we were on the fast track to pay …
How to give your finances a health check How healthy are your finances? Isn’t it time you put your own financial wellbeing front and centre? You can take control of your financial future quickly and easily, with a simple financial health check. Just like your physical health, it’s worth giving your finances a check-up once in a while. Over time, unhealthy spending habits can creep in, threatening to derail your progress. Here’s how to give …
How to prepare, lodge and maximise your 2021 tax return With tax time nearly upon us, you might be interested in the following deduction tips, which may help increase the amount of money you get back. Lots of things can affect your tax return, including sources of income from work, investments and government assistance, including any JobSeeker payments you may have received during the financial year. Other factors that can play a part, include whether …
What can a financial planner do for me in 2021? With the ups and downs of the COVID-19 pandemic largely behind us, now’s a great time to revisit your finances. So should you seek the help of a professional financial planner, or can you ‘do it yourself’? Read on to find out what a financial planner can do for you. After a rollercoaster 18-months, the financial shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic are finally receding from …
