Market Update 10 September Investment markets and key developments over the past week Global shares were mixed over the last week. US and European shares fell on concerns about the growth outlook and central banks reducing stimulus, but Japanese shares continued to rise on hopes for more fiscal stimulus after PM Suga announced he would step down and Chinese shares rose. Australian shares fell on the back of the weak global lead, lower iron ore prices …
Market Update 03 September Investment markets and key developments over the past week Global share markets saw continuing gains over the past week helped by expectations that the Delta outbreak won’t lead to lockdowns in major developed countries and that the Fed would be gradual in scaling back monetary stimulus. Helped by the positive global lead and rapidly rising vaccination rates, the Australian share market also rose despite rising local coronavirus cases, with the gains …
Australian GDP slowed in the June quarter & will be hit hard by the lockdowns – but here’s 7 reasons to look beyond the gloom Key Points Australian GDP growth slowed in the June quarter but to a stronger than expected +0.7%qoq. This avoids a technical recession, but the current quarter is likely to see a 4% slump due to the lockdowns. While there is lots of gloom around there remains strong reason for optimism …
Four key risks to consider for a comfortable retirement Sometimes saving for retirement is the easy part, it’s how to manage risks when one approaches or enters retirement that can be tricky. There are four key risks in retirement – sequencing of returns, lower-than-expected returns, longevity risk and knowing how much a retiree can spend without falling short. There are other critical issues such as living arrangements and the rising cost of healthcare, but the …
Market Update 27 August Investment markets and key developments over the past week Global share markets rebounded over the last week with US shares making a new record high helped by signs that the Delta wave may be slowing in the US, before a bit of caution pared gains later in the week ahead of the central bankers Jackson Hole meeting. Reflecting the positive global lead Australian shares also rose over the week but rising local …
China’s growth slowdown and regulatory crackdown – what does it mean for China’s growth outlook? Key Points China is seeing a regulatory crackdown on tech companies, the property sector and inequality aimed at supporting its middle class. The shift to “bigger government” likely has further to run. Chinese economic growth is likely to be soft this half but policy easing and maybe a pause in some regulatory moves should allow a rebound next year. This …
Should I still change jobs despite COVID-19? With pandemic lockdowns in place across much of the country, is now still a good time to look for a new job? After falling to a 10-year low in June, the unemployment rate is again tipped to edge higher. So what does the future hold for Aussie workers? Go back a month or two and you’d be forgiven for thinking we were on the fast track to pay …
How to negotiate better work perks With the COVID-19 pandemic taking hold again, many employers aren’t in a position to hand out pay rises, no matter how hard you’ve worked. If that’s the case in your role, it’s worth asking for other non-financial benefits that can improve your work and home life. Negotiating a pay rise or salary package is nerve wracking at the best of times, let alone during a pandemic. And, while you …
Six reasons why shares are at or near record levels. But is it sustainable? Key Points Bonds and shares often diverge – we saw this a year ago with shares rallying but bond yields staying low. Shares have been boosted by strong earnings news, improved valuations, investor awareness of last years’ experience of a post lockdown bounce back, vaccines providing optimism in a more sustained reopening, some pressure for more stimulus & M&A activity. While …
Market Update 13 August Investment markets and key developments over the past week Global share markets continued to rise over the last week with reopening and earnings optimism offsetting Delta concerns and propelling US and European shares to record highs. The Australian share market also rose to a new high on the back of good earnings news offsetting ongoing dismal news on lockdowns – notably in NSW – with banks, telcos, utilities and retail stocks leading …
