Market Update 07 August 2020 Investment markets and key developments over the past week Share markets generally rose over the last week helped by a combination of better than expected earnings in the US, good economic data and positive vaccine news. This saw the US share market push up to just 1% below its February high. The positive global lead offset the blow to the economic recovery from Melbourne’s stage 4 lockdown and saw Australian shares …
What’s on the cards for Australia now that we have a second wave? The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) had its August board meeting on Tuesday 4th, and though there were no real surprises, I think we can expect more out of the central bank in the coming months. In its meeting, the RBA made mention of the situation unfolding in Victoria, which is sadly seeing COVID-19 infect more people in the state now than …
Why you need more than one budget Coming up with even a basic budget is a big achievement for most of us. But having more than one budget can actually help you get to your goals sooner. Find out why. Sticking to a budget can be a tough business. Even with a step-by-step budgeting guide to follow, having the discipline to stay on target with goals for spending and saving is a challenge. Even the task of …
What’s the difference between a financial planner and an accountant? When it comes to getting professional advice on money matters, should you be looking for an accountant or financial planner? Find out how they’re different and what services each one offers to help you manage your finances. When you’re looking for help on anything to do with money, finding the right person to turn to for advice can be a challenge. According to a …
RBA holds – but more stimulus likely as Victorian lockdown to knock at least $12bn from national GDP Key points Victoria’s tightening lockdown could knock at least $12bn off the Victorian and national economy and delay the return to positive Australian GDP growth to the December quarter. The further hit to the economy and likely additional upwards pressure on unemployment is increasing pressure for more policy stimulus. This is likely to see the federal budget …
Market Update 31 July 2020 Investment markets and key developments over the past week Share markets were mixed over the last week with Chinese shares up solidly and US shares rising slightly on the back of good earnings results, particularly for tech stocks, but Eurozone, Japanese and Australian shares fell on uncertainty regarding the economic outlook. Australian shares were dragged lower by sharp falls in energy, financial, health, property and utility stocks. Bond yields generally fell …
Markets craving guidance ahead of August reporting woes For many big corporates, the upcoming earnings season will be the first proper chance for the market to assess the damage of the COVID-19 pandemic. How will markets respond and what could investors do to insulate themselves from the fallout? With the Robin Hood rally running out of steam, swap a sword for a shield For Australian equities, the beginning of the new financial year is likely …
Some ways to use your tax refund for a stronger financial future Not sure what to do with your tax refund? Strategic financial decisions for your tax return begin with a strong plan. Whether you breeze through tax time or dread the extra admin, receiving a tax refund makes the effort worthwhile. For many of us, getting a financial boost will be even more welcome this year, and you might be looking around for the …
How COVID-19 has widened the gender super gap With the coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) wreaking havoc on the global and Australian economies, new research by AMP shows the extent of the economic impact of COVID-19 on the super account balances of Australian women. Diana Mousina, Senior Economist at AMP Capital, and AMP Data Insights Manager, Tracy Lewis, discuss the latest findings on the widening gender super gap. These include contributing factors such as job losses, the …
Econosights: Inflation in the COVID-19 world Key points The money supply across major economies has skyrocketed from central bank asset purchases (or quantitative easing), government stimulus payments and wages building up in bank deposits. There is some concern that the boom in money supply growth could lead to an inflation breakout. However, prior surges in the money supply have not always led to higher inflation. Central bank quantitative easing programs are a big driver of …
