Market Update 13 November 2020

Market Update 13 November 2020 Investment markets and key developments over the past week Global share markets rose further over the last week helped by positive news regarding a vaccine for coronavirus but gains were reduced later in the week by rising US coronavirus cases and the threat this posed to the economy with no progress on more fiscal stimulus. Australia shares rose sharply again helped by the positive global lead, a surge in energy stocks …

5 ways to shop smarter this christmas

5 ways to shop a little smarter this Christmas If cash flow is looking a tad grim this year, here are some ideas to up the presents under the tree, noting it’s the presence around it that really counts. We don’t need to list the events of 2020 to say it’s been a big one, particularly as we approach the festive season, where many common face-to-face interactions will be limited to a phone or video …

How financial advice can help

How financial advice can help Even if a person has a small asset base and no funds to invest, the help and guidance of a financial adviser can be valuable. Accumulating wealth is a long-term process. It usually occurs parallel to a person’s professional, private and family life. A good approach can be to have a few key strategies in place so that wealth can grow through life’s journey. It’s perhaps more common to seek financial …

How to enjoy a credit-free COVID Christmas

How to enjoy a credit-free COVID Christmas! After the year we’ve had, Australians may be more tempted to rely on debt to meet their holiday obligations. But there are other ways to get through the festive season without breaking the bank… At the best of times, Christmas can put a pretty severe strain on our hip pockets. And let’s face it, this isn’t the best of times. You don’t have to have lived through Melbourne’s …

The right times for financial advice

The right times for financial advice COVID-19 has created uncertainty everywhere and impacted not just our health but our wealth too. From millennials to retirees, we’ve had to review our finances and adapt to the changing environment. We’ve seen volatile share markets, slashed dividends on bank stocks, record-low interest rates and sectors like airlines, tourism and traditional retail struggling to survive. On the other hand, online shopping and e-commerce have surged, and more people are …

Joe Biden on track to become US president – implications for investors and Australia

Joe Biden on track to become US president – implications for investors and Australia   Key points The US election has been close and final counting as well as legal challenges could still upset the result, but the now highly likely outcome is a Biden Presidency. While there is a possibility that the Democrats could win control of the Senate via runoff elections in Georgia, the most likely outcome is that Democrats will retain control …

Mixed outlook for Australian housing amid prolonged pandemic

  Mixed outlook for Australian housing amid prolonged pandemic   A relatively high rate of unemployment across the nation, coupled with a freeze on immigration, and consequently population growth, might ordinarily spell bad news for the housing market. Instead, Australian capital city average dwelling prices rose 0.2% in October, according to CoreLogic, the first monthly gain since April and hot on the heels of a cumulative contraction of almost 3% between April and September. Prices …

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 …