The world economy in 2018 – how much longer can the global upturn last?

The world economy in 2018 – how much longer can the global upturn last? Key points The global economic environment and corporate profits remain in a strong position and economic growth in 2018 will run at its fastest pace since 2011. It’s too early to fear a significant lift in global interest rates. Central banks in Europe and Japan will keep interest rates unchanged in 2018. US rate hikes will continue. Inflation is likely to …

2018 – a list of lists regarding the macro investment outlook

2018 – a list of lists regarding the macro investment outlook Key points 2018 is likely to remain good for diversified investors. The investment cycle still favours growth assets over cash and bonds. But expect more volatile and constrained returns as US inflation starts to turn up. Watch US inflation, bond yields, President Trump, the Italian election, China, the Sydney and Melbourne property markets and global business conditions PMIs. Introduction Although 2017 saw the usual …

Why we’re thinking about yield all wrong

Why we’re thinking about yield all wrong No doubt about it, institutions will have an edge over the Average Joe or weekend warrior when it comes to information and investment insights; financial institutions employ the best and brightest and draw on research garnered from all over the world using tools out of the reach of most of us individually. But there are times when it makes sense for individual investors to play to their strengths …

Could last year’s strong equity returns keep on rolling?

Could last year’s strong equity returns keep on rolling? Aussie battler On the home front, the economic cycle in Australia is less advanced than in other developed economies. Activity remains subdued as housing investment moderates and consumers remain cautious on account of anaemic wages growth. Nonetheless, the preconditions for an improvement in growth are in place. Business confidence has improved and there is evidence of broad-based acceleration in business investment. At the same time, large …

If you’ve always thought property prices only go up…

If you’ve always thought property prices only go up… It may be time to reconsider some myths about property investment. With so much emphasis on property in the media, it can be difficult to sort fact from fiction. But before investing in any type of asset—including property—it pays to consider the pros and cons, and any commonly held misconceptions. Here we bust 3 property myths. Myth 1: Prices always go up Believing that property always …

The year that was and the year ahead – five questions to ask yourself

The year that was and the year ahead – five questions to ask yourself Reflecting on the year that was …   1. What did you spend your time on in 2017? We all have 24 hours in a day so how you spend those hours will show up in what you achieve. Reflecting on the activities you spend your time on can also be a good indication of where your passion and values lie. If …

Add some extra cash to your New Year

Add some extra cash to your New Year We all dream of an unexpected windfall, and there may be no better way to kick start 2018 than with some extra cash to your name.  With a bit of digging around, it can be possible to find some forgotten funds you’re entitled to. A treasure trove of forgotten cash To begin with, many state government treasuries are filled with a trove of refunds and overpayments, unpresented …

Volatility could present buying opportunities in 2018

Volatility could present buying opportunities in 2018 Volatility and the first meaningful lift in inflation coming from the United States will likely be the main differentiating features in global financial markets in 2018 compared to this year, according to Dr Shane Oliver, AMP Capital’s Head of Investment Strategy and Chief Economist. The dips in share markets experts anticipated in 2017 are more likely to materialise in the new year, Oliver notes. But with global growth …

New year, new financial resolutions

New year, new financial resolutions The dawn of a new year is the perfect time to hit reset and correct course when it comes to your money. You may have already given thought to some health-related wellness goals for 2018, but what about your financial wellness? AMP research has revealed that a quarter of Australian workers have difficulty in making ends meet, with the most common triggers for financial stress found to be bad debt, …

How to make 2018 money friendly

  How to make 2018 money friendly As the Christmas decorations get packed away and life for many returns to normal, AMP Capital is encouraging customers to consider their finances when setting their resolutions for 2018. Instead of making vague promises like “get fit” or “pay down debt” AMP Capital Head of Retail of Retail Business Manuel Damianakis recommends people set more specific resolutions to grow their wealth during the year. “Consider a resolution to …