The pros and cons of investment bonds Also called insurance or growth bonds, investment bonds can be a tax-effective way to save for something big. If you’re saving for a particular goal, looking for an alternative to super, or want to ensure those who matter most are taken care of after you’re gone, investment bonds (also known as insurance or growth bonds) may have benefits while potentially reducing what you pay in tax. If you’re wondering how …
Downsizing should be a choice, not a wealth strategy Downsizing to a coastal town or regional hub can hold lifestyle appeal, but don’t bank on it as a strategy to fund your retirement. For many empty nesters, who may not have had the benefit of employer-paid super throughout their working life, the value of the family home can be seen as the jewel in the crown of a retirement funding strategy. After all, who cares …
Reverse mortgages – A solution to the asset rich, cash poor trap If you’re a home owner who falls into the “asset rich, cash poor” category, a reverse mortgage could hold appeal in retirement. Over the next 40 years an estimated seven million Australians are expected to start living off their super savings, but many simply won’t have enough to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. The benefit of a reverse mortgage is that you can access money to …
What the rise of the $A means for global investors The recent rise of the Australian dollar has been surprising but not confounding for experts who believe the its natural level is closer to US70 cents. Indeed, it’s the weakness of the US dollar that’s pushed the Australian dollar higher relative to the benchmark currency in recent weeks even though US economic growth and a resurgent commodities segment had most market watchers expecting the Australian …
Volatility: 10 key messages for investors Financial markets can be subject to periods of event-related volatility during which investor confidence can be significantly undermined. Here, Fidelity provides 10 key messages to help investors steer their portfolios through volatile times. 1. Volatility is a normal part of long-term investing From time to time, there is inevitably volatility in stock markets as investors react nervously to changes in the economic, political and corporate environment. Above all else, …
The top 10 lifestyle costs draining Aussies of cash Six out of the top ten categories relate to just two things. Can you guess what they are, and could you be cutting back? As a nation, Australians aged 18 and over spent approximately $145 billion on lifestyle costs last year, with the average spend per person around $7,800, according to research by comparison site Mozo1. While clothing and footwear took out the number one spot …
Are Australian households more vulnerable than we think? A lot has been said and written about Australia’s household debt levels and possible implications on the banking system and the economy more broadly. But could Australian households be even more constrained than the headline numbers are suggesting? Michele Bullock, the Reserve Bank of Australia’s Assistant Governor, highlights the stresses households will likely be facing well before any rise official interest rate materialises in this speech. Bullock points …
The “gradually” maturing investment cycle – what is the risk of a US recession? Key points With inflationary pressures starting to rise in the US the global investment cycle is starting to get more mature. This is likely to mean a further rise in bond yields and more share market volatility. However, there is still little sign of the sort of excesses that precede economic downturns, profit slumps and major bear markets suggesting that we …
3 simple steps to create a budget Nearly two out of five Aussies believe budgeting is too much effort, but these quick tips could make it a simpler task. Around 75% of Aussies will be going into 2018 with no specified budget, according to a survey by AMP, which—reality check—is probably going to make achieving financial goals, whether it’s getting out of debt, going on that long-overdue holiday, or saving for something big, a little tricky. Despite …
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Wrap Welcome again to the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Wrap, where our team share the latest ESG issues in the media and their implications on investment.This month the key ESG issues making headlines are: Retail: Are Australian retailers ready for slavery laws? Oil & Gas: Cities across the US sue fossil fuel companies for contributions to climate change Grounds for ditching the daily coffee? (Yes, we did just use …
