2017 has been kind to investors

  2017 has been kind to investors As we head towards the end of 2017, it’s worth taking a look at how investment markets have fared over the year. It turns out we’ve enjoyed a pretty good 12 months – especially if you haven’t had a significant chunk of your wealth tied up in cash. The last 12 months have been steady on a number of financial fronts. Even the official cash rate has remained …

12 ways to enjoy summer without spending a fortune

12 ways to enjoy summer without spending a fortune If you’re wondering how you’ll make ends meet this silly season, check out these tips on how to spend, without spending every cent. Summer in Australia can often be one of the busiest times of year with end-of-year work parties, Christmas, family gatherings, mini holiday breaks, not to mention New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. If you’ve been saving for something big or are just …

How to pick the top of the real estate market

How to pick the top of the real estate market Strong demand for the broader real estate segment is likely to help prices remain strong for at least another year as the aging population seeks regular annuity in a low interest rate environment, says Luke Dixon, AMP Capital Head of Head of Real Estate Research. “Real estate is still fairly priced,” Dixon says, a view informed by a detailed analysis published in the latest AMP …

How to retire, your way

How to retire, your way How you’d like to spend your retirement is as unique as you. From the big life changing goals, to the smaller, more personal ones that give your life meaning. There’s no defined age you must retire by, and it isn’t just about your finances. Your state of mind, where you live, how you spend your time as well as your goals, all play a big part. Living well in retirement …

What could trigger a property price correction?

10 November 2017 What could trigger a property price correction? The shift of mortgagees to “principle and interest” from interest only loans is one of the things to watch when considering the potential for a price correction in some of the more highly-valued residential property markets, Dr Shane Oliver, AMP Capital’s Head of Investment Strategy and Chief Economist, says. “When they [mortgagees] do that, they face a big increase in their debt servicing costs,” Oliver …

Simple money steps for women

Simple money steps for women The same approach to managing day-to-day money can be applied to long-term investments.  It was Carrie Bradshaw, of Sex and the City fame, who said: ‘I like my money where I can see it – hanging in my closet.’ While that might sound trite, it’s not far from the truth for many women. Most of us are more comfortable dealing with day-to-day money and the tangible things it can be …

Pricing President Trump into global markets

10 November 2017 Pricing President Trump into global markets Pricing in the possibility of an early exit by Donald Trump from the United States Presidency may feel a bit hypothetical at this stage, but it’s an exercise worth undertaking for investors concerned about potential portfolio shocks, says Dr Shane Oliver, AMP Capital’s Head of Investment Strategy and Chief Economist. Straight off the bat it’s worth noting that a possible move to impeach President Trump – …

When it’s time to listen to the herd

10 November 2017 When it’s time to listen to the herd Are we in bubble territory? Will there be a correction? You could spend every day looking at valuations and broker notes to form a view on whether the equities bull market is about to run out of steam, but it’s possible the best clues to whether we’re in bubble territory could be gleaned from your taxi driver, at your friend’s BBQ or at the …

Could our mortgage monster become the Christmas Grinch?

Could our mortgage monster become the Christmas Grinch? The disappointing retail sales figures from the last quarter could be just the tip of the iceberg for those watching the retail sector heading into Christmas, reckons Dermot Ryan, AMP Capital’s Portfolio Manager – Australian Equities. But it’s not likely to be the so called “Amazon effect” of internet shopping, nor competition from fast fashion retailers, or even unfavourable currency swings Ryan is factoring in when he’s …

Are we in another 1990s tech bubble?

Are we in another 1990s tech bubble? A quick look at the valuations of the so called FAANMG group of stocks – Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, Microsoft and Google – and it certainly feels like it we’re in a tech stocks bubble a-la the late 1990s. However, if we compare valuations of this group to historical valuations during the major global asset bubbles over the last 40 years, it’s possible FAANMG and tech generally might …