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 …

Create an 8-week Christmas savings plan

  Create an 8-week Christmas savings plan The sooner you start saving for Christmas, the better. But you can do it in just eight weeks – even if you have a tight budget in the lead-up to this year’s festive season. Here’s how to develop a plan to save money and reach your holiday goals. Fairy lights twinkling, seafood on the barbie, gifts being wrapped and Michael Bublé crooning in the background – Christmas can …

Financial wellness in 2020 – how does yours compare?

Financial wellness in 2020 – how does yours compare? Financial wellness is how you feel about your money. It can affect your overall wellbeing and other areas of your life, such as work and family. So, while money isn’t the be-all and end-all, how you feel about it is pretty important. Since 2014, AMP has been commissioning research1 into the financial wellbeing of Australians and has developed the Financial Wellness Index. It measures a person’s satisfaction …

September job figures make the case for further monetary easing

September job figures make the case for further monetary easing After a stronger-than-expected performance in August, September employment numbers exceeded expectations for the second month in a row, falling by 29,500 jobs as opposed to consensus estimates of a 40,000 drop. Nonetheless, this month’s decline in employment figures after three months of growth suggests we’re now on track to see slow growth in employment and a rising participation rate. We expect the headline unemployment rate …