Simple money steps for women

Simple money steps for women The same approach to managing day-to-day money can be applied to long-term investments.  It was Carrie Bradshaw, of Sex and the City fame, who said: ‘I like my money where I can see it – hanging in my closet.’ While that might sound trite, it’s not far from the truth for many women. Most of us are more comfortable dealing with day-to-day money and the tangible things it can be …

Pricing President Trump into global markets

10 November 2017 Pricing President Trump into global markets Pricing in the possibility of an early exit by Donald Trump from the United States Presidency may feel a bit hypothetical at this stage, but it’s an exercise worth undertaking for investors concerned about potential portfolio shocks, says Dr Shane Oliver, AMP Capital’s Head of Investment Strategy and Chief Economist. Straight off the bat it’s worth noting that a possible move to impeach President Trump – …

When it’s time to listen to the herd

10 November 2017 When it’s time to listen to the herd Are we in bubble territory? Will there be a correction? You could spend every day looking at valuations and broker notes to form a view on whether the equities bull market is about to run out of steam, but it’s possible the best clues to whether we’re in bubble territory could be gleaned from your taxi driver, at your friend’s BBQ or at the …

Could our mortgage monster become the Christmas Grinch?

Could our mortgage monster become the Christmas Grinch? The disappointing retail sales figures from the last quarter could be just the tip of the iceberg for those watching the retail sector heading into Christmas, reckons Dermot Ryan, AMP Capital’s Portfolio Manager – Australian Equities. But it’s not likely to be the so called “Amazon effect” of internet shopping, nor competition from fast fashion retailers, or even unfavourable currency swings Ryan is factoring in when he’s …

Are we in another 1990s tech bubble?

Are we in another 1990s tech bubble? A quick look at the valuations of the so called FAANMG group of stocks – Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, Microsoft and Google – and it certainly feels like it we’re in a tech stocks bubble a-la the late 1990s. However, if we compare valuations of this group to historical valuations during the major global asset bubbles over the last 40 years, it’s possible FAANMG and tech generally might …

Prepare for retirement……without missing out today

Prepare for retirement……without missing out today If you’re looking for a way to start saving for your retirement, but still enjoy your lifestyle today, you’re not alone. Recent research shows 54% of Australians aged 55-64 want the same thing.i No doubt you already have a cashflow system in place, but perhaps it’s time to revisit it. It could be the first step to achieving your retirement goals, and really can make a difference to your …

China’s consumers swapping Christian Dior for campuses and kangaroos

China’s consumers swapping Christian Dior for campuses and kangaroos Big-ticket acquisitions of Australian resources, office towers and luxury homes by Chinese corporates and billionaires are grabbing headlines. However, it’s the country’s middle class that is powering a spending shift set to benefit Australia longer term, says AMP Capital Chief Economist and Head of Investment Strategy Shane Oliver. “Chinese consumers are showing signs of shifting their focus from status-linked luxury goods like a Christian Dior handbag …

4 steps to help protect portfolios against political risk

08 November 2017 4 steps to help protect portfolios against political risk When Australia’s High Court ruled deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce ineligible to sit in Parliament because of his dual New Zealand citizenship, the decision briefly sent tremors through equity and currency markets. It was a clear reminder that political risk matters to markets. We face troubling political and geopolitical risk across the world: Trump, Brexit and, above all, the risk of nuclear confrontation …

Eight steps to improved cashflow… and lifestyle

  Eight steps to improved cashflow… and lifestyle Imagine feeling on top of your finances. Knowing you’re in a position to enjoy your life today, while also saving for tomorrow. If that sounds good to you, you’re not alone. In a recent survey, 54% of Australians aged 55-64 strongly agreed they’d like that too.i Yet, many of us don’t feel like we’re in that position. Financial stress is actually so common that 24% of Australian …