The right times for financial advice

The right times for financial advice COVID-19 has created uncertainty everywhere and impacted not just our health but our wealth too. From millennials to retirees, we’ve had to review our finances and adapt to the changing environment. We’ve seen volatile share markets, slashed dividends on bank stocks, record-low interest rates and sectors like airlines, tourism and traditional retail struggling to survive. On the other hand, online shopping and e-commerce have surged, and more people are …

Joe Biden on track to become US president – implications for investors and Australia

Joe Biden on track to become US president – implications for investors and Australia   Key points The US election has been close and final counting as well as legal challenges could still upset the result, but the now highly likely outcome is a Biden Presidency. While there is a possibility that the Democrats could win control of the Senate via runoff elections in Georgia, the most likely outcome is that Democrats will retain control …

Mixed outlook for Australian housing amid prolonged pandemic

  Mixed outlook for Australian housing amid prolonged pandemic   A relatively high rate of unemployment across the nation, coupled with a freeze on immigration, and consequently population growth, might ordinarily spell bad news for the housing market. Instead, Australian capital city average dwelling prices rose 0.2% in October, according to CoreLogic, the first monthly gain since April and hot on the heels of a cumulative contraction of almost 3% between April and September. Prices …

Market Update 6 November 2020

Market Update 6 November 2020 Investment markets and key developments over the past week Global share markets rebounded over the last week as a resolution of the US election came into sight offering more fiscal stimulus, less trade wars and likely avoiding US tax hikes. While the rebound in shares may be surprising given that the election is not fully resolved yet, US shares typically rally after close elections as we move into the stronger …

RBA cuts rates to just 0.1% and ramps up quantitative easing – but will it work?

RBA cuts rates to just 0.1% and ramps up quantitative easing – but will it work? Key points The RBA has cut the cash rate to a record low 0.1% & announced a broad-based quantitative easing program. While the economic boost is likely to be small compared to that provided by the recent Budget, the further reduction in borrowing costs will support household & corporate finances and housing demand as well as keep the $A …

OCT 2020 – Global markets and macro update – the “recovery” from the coronavirus hit

ECONOMICS & MARKETS OCT 2020 – Global markets and macro update – the “recovery” from the coronavirus hit 29 Oct, 2020 By Dr Shane Oliver Head of Investment Strategy and Economics and Chief Economist, AMP CapitalSydney, Australia Please join Shane Oliver, Head of Investment Strategy and Chief Economist, for an update on the conditions of the macroeconomic and share markets. Important information While every care has been taken in the preparation of this video, AMP Capital …

Market Update 30 October 2020

Market Update 30 October 2020   Investment markets and key developments over the past week Global share markets mostly fell again over the past week on the back of rising new coronavirus cases in Europe and the US, new lockdowns in Europe, signs of a tightening election in the US raising the prospect of a contested election and the absence of any progress towards a pre-election fiscal stimulus in the US. Reflecting the week global lead …

Five reasons why this downturn and subsequent recovery are different – and where are we in the Australian recovery now?

Five reasons why this downturn and subsequent recovery are different – and where are we in the Australian recovery now?   Key points This economic downturn and recovery differs from those of the past in that: the downturn was driven by a government shutdown; fiscal and monetary support has been faster and bigger; forced asset sales have been headed off; it’s dependent on containing coronavirus; and it’s seeing more rapid structural change. As a result, …

The three key habits of the financially secure

Three key habits of the financially secure Financial wellness describes how we evaluate our finances and cope with any related stress. It can be a significant factor that affects our overall psychological wellbeing. AMP’s recent financial wellness research found three financial habits that people who are financially secure have in common: They save money regularly They pay off their credit card debt They avoid using layby and buy now, pay later (BNPL) services. We explore each of …

Econosights: The impact of economic shocks on inflation

  Econosights: The impact of economic shocks on inflation Key points COVID-19 has caused a big change in consumer spending patterns. In developed countries, demand for goods has generally gone up but services demand has collapsed. Changes in demand along with some supply constraints have caused an increase in goods prices while prices for services have been weaker. Consumer inflation data uses consumer spending baskets from prior years to construct quarterly price changes. However, these …