Buying a home in 2021? Read this first | Money & Life

Buying a home in 2021? Read this first Thinking about making a sea-change or tree-change? Wondering if it’s a good time to buy in the city? With house prices rising fast across most of the country, here’s what you need to know to get onto the property ladder. It’s official, Australia is experiencing a widespread property boom not seen for more than a decade. After COVID-19 put the brakes on the housing market early last …

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Market Update 5 March 2021

Market Update 5 March 2021 Investment markets and key developments over the past week While share markets had a strong bounce early in the past week as fears around rising bond yields briefly eased they returned later in the week particularly after Fed Chair Powell reiterated the Fed’s dovishness but failed to signal significant concern or action to deal with rising bond yields. As a result, US, Japanese and Chinese shares fell for the week, …

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Bitcoin – it’s not a currency, it’s not a capital asset… so what is it?

Bitcoin – it’s not a currency, it’s not a capital asset… so what is it? Key points Digital currencies and blockchain technology may have a lot to offer – but that does not mean Bitcoin will be it. Due to extreme volatility, high transaction costs and slow processing, Bitcoin does not cut it as digital cash. But it’s not an asset generating cashflows either, which makes it impossible to value. Key for investors is not …

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Why women need a unique focus on their finances

Why women need a unique focus on their finances For many reasons, women face additional hurdles when it comes to achieving financial freedom. So it’s important to take control of your finances now, and be proactive when it comes to planning your financial future. Ladies, it’s time for a reality check. The unfortunate truth is that women experience low-income and poverty at a much higher rate than men. In fact, up to 40 per cent …

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Budgeting tips for students

Budgeting tips for students Starting or returning to study is an exciting time! But let’s be real, unless you’re also working full time, you’ll have less income while you complete your studies. That’s where a little planning can help make the most of your student budget. Surviving on a student budget isn’t easy, but don’t worry, it can be done. Whether you’re studying remotely this year, or returning to campus, we have some great tips …

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RBA concerns underline mid-to-long term risks for the housing market

RBA concerns underline mid-to-long term risks for the housing market One of the more interesting snippets of information to come out of the minutes of the February meeting of the Reserve Bank Board was an acknowledgement by members of the risks generated by a low-rate environment and, in particular, those “linked to higher leverage and asset prices, particularly in the housing market”. They weren’t concerned enough to detour from their stimulus program, but the RBA …

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Market Update 26 February 2021

Market Update 26 February 2021   Investment markets and key developments over the past week Global share markets fell over the last week as the selloff in bonds accelerated raising concerns about valuations. Bond yields increased significantly, particularly in the US and Australia and 10 year yields at their highs on Friday were up by around 100 basis points in the US from last year’s low and by around 130 basis points in Australia, before settling …

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Show your finances some self-love

Show your finances some self-love Are you guilty of changing your spending habits when you’re in a relationship? Do you have a financial plan, or are you relying on a partner to take care of you in retirement? Whatever your situation, there’s never been a better time to step up and take charge of your finances. Your relationship status can have a big impact on your finances. From spending and managing your money, to the …

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Econosights: Outlook for the US economy in 2021

Econosights: Outlook for the US economy in 2021 Key points The US is due for a strong economic recovery in 2021, driven by a large injection of fiscal stimulus. US GDP should have recovered its 2020 COVID losses in the March quarter and be back to its pre-COVID trend level of GDP by end of the year. Fiscal stimulus could overheat the economy in late 2021/early 2022. Consumer inflation expectations are already at multi-year highs. …

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