Weekly Market Update 5 October 2018 Investment markets and key developments over the past week Share markets fell over the last week, largely in response to a renewed rise in bond yields. Commodity prices rose, although this was mainly due to higher oil prices. Strong US economic data and some rise in expectations for Fed tightening saw the $US rise and this saw the $A fall below $US0.71. Bond yields have resumed their rising trend, with …
Investing for a rainy day: Key investment concepts you should understand Rather than saving for a rainy day, as the old saying goes, why not save and invest now to achieve your future financial goals? Here we look at some advice from leading financial planners on the key concepts that should inform your investment strategy. Chris Giaouris, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional, partner and principal advisor at Chronos Private in Melbourne likens having an investment strategy to going on …
Top 5 financial regrets We all make bad decisions about money from time to time. But what if you could avoid future financial errors by learning what others have done and wish they hadn’t? In our Live the Dream survey we asked Aussies for their top financial regrets so you can learn from their mistakes. 1. Not saving enough More than one in three people surveyed wish they’d saved more. A strong saving habit is …
Wealth creation – what works for financial planning clients Want to know how to set yourself up for a better financial future? Get tips from 6 top financial planners on behaviours that lead to success in wealth creation. 1. Set goals and make a plan – Michelle Tate-Lovery CFP®, Principal Adviser and Director, Unified Financial Services Knowing what your goals are and how you’re going to get there is a very important first step on the …
How is the Kiwi dollar faring? Investors have been watching the Australian dollar weaken since January, but they may not be aware that the currency of our near neighbour New Zealand has also been under pressure, with further weakening likely. The New Zealand dollar has fallen as the Fed continues to raise rates in the US and the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) announced an unexpectedly dovish policy stance. In its August monetary statement, …
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Wrap 27 September 2018 This month the key ESG issues making headlines are: Oil & Gas: Chevron’s Gorgon CCS project delayed Global E-Commerce Giants – workers face insecurity and crushing targets Automakers under suspicion of fresh cheating in new emissions test San Francisco climate change resolution ‘just the start of pressure’ on US insurers Energy: US Utility Rates Driving Record Demand for Home Energy …
Where does all my money go? Save money on your three biggest expenses The three biggest drains on our money are paying for housing, food and transport. And there’s no getting away from the fact that it is unlikely we can live without any of the “big three”. Here we look at some ways of how to save on these items. Saving on rent in the Big Smoke It can be hard to save money …
What’s happening in the Chinese economy at the moment? Investors should keep a watching brief on the Chinese economy, AMP Capital Investment Strategist, Angus Nicholson says. He warns that key risks include weak credit growth, the US trade war and signs of slowing global growth. “Investors should keep a bit of an eye on China this year. China has been a growing risk factor in many investors’ perceptions at the moment.” But Nicholson says …
Are young families the most vulnerable as house prices head lower? The long-term rise in Australian home prices has led to a huge inter-generational transfer of wealth from the young to the old. A material reversal in property values will go some way to unwinding this, creating winners and losers amongst the generations. Australia has long had a love affair with home ownership, which is illustrated by the strong growth in residential prices over the …
Six forces driving Australian equity portfolio returns We are now in the late stage of the business cycle when a range of risks and opportunities are being thrown up at Australian equity investors. These reflect changes in fast-moving global markets, domestic policy choices and the evolving priorities of local businesses. These changes will create exciting opportunities for some Australian companies but throw up challenges for others. 1. The global economy is becoming more volatile The …
