Market Update 11 September 2020 Investment markets and key developments over the past week The equity market correction that started last week, driven by falls in tech stocks, has continued, and has now broadened out to other sectors. US shares are down by 2.6% and the tech-heavy NASDAQ is down by a larger 4% over the week. But, all sectors in the S&P500 fell over the week and energy was down heavily as the oil …
What to do next if you’re facing redundancy Uncertainty around COVID-19 might be increasing your stress levels about losing your job, but here are five ways to soften the financial blow. In April, Australia hit its highest unemployment rate in five years1, and with the Federal Treasurer expecting an unemployment rate of around 10% by the end of the year2, many Aussies may be feeling a little uneasy about their future job prospects. Which sectors …
GDP figures are creeping to Great Depression levels, but there’s more to the story On September 2, gross domestic product (GDP) data for the June quarter confirmed that Australia is experiencing its first recession since 1991. Australia has recorded backwards growth for the second quarter in a row, with Australian GDP falling by 7% in the June quarter. While the figure is better than forecasts a few months ago – about a 10% …
More action out of the RBA this month to support the economy At its September board meeting, the RBA left interest rates on hold, which was no big surprise. The surprise was in the RBA’s announcement of an extension and increase of the cheap funding it provides to the banks. You might recall back in March, the RBA announced a term funding facility, under which it would provide cheap loans to the banks, locked …
5 tips for a better retirement It’s never too late to make savvy decisions about your retirement. Retirement is an exciting time. It’s the long-awaited reward for a lifetime of work and, if you’ve planned it correctly, it heralds a life stage synonymous with relaxation and enjoyment. However, to make sure your retirement is everything you’d hoped for, it’s crucial to make smart decisions to help you stick to your financial plan, achieve investment goals …
Market Update 04 September 2020 Investment markets and key developments over the past week US shares hit another record high mid-week only to be reversed by the end of the week because of a big fall in tech shares, which have been driving the rebound in US equities since the March lows. The US S&P is down by 1.5% over the week, with the tech sector (which has the biggest weight in the index) down …
How to have a good relationship with your retirement “The best piece of financial advice I give, is telling people to treat money in the same way they do their life partner or lover,” says Andrew Heaven, an AMP financial adviser at WealthPartners Financial Solutions. “To have a healthy and happy relationship with your finances, you need to treat money with respect and not take it for granted.” While it might not be the first …
Market outlook Q&A – disconnect to real economy, growth v value, vaccines, property, gold, inflation and other issues Key points Share markets often lead economic recoveries. Share markets are likely to see a rotation in favour of cyclical stocks relative to growth stocks and this would favour non-US and Australian shares over US shares. Markets have only partially priced in a vaccine. More downside is likely in the $US and this could see the $A …
Market Update 28 August 2020 Investment markets and key developments over the past week Global share markets rose over the past week helped by continuing signs of economic recovery, positive coronavirus vaccine and treatment news and anticipation of the Fed’s shift to inflation average targeting. Australian shares fell slightly though over the past week reflecting poor earnings results with weakness in utilities, energy, health, telco and material shares. Bond yields rose helped by the Fed’s more …
Getting started in property Buying your first home is exciting but can also be overwhelming. It’s one of the biggest purchases you’ll ever make in your lifetime, so it’s critical that first-home buyers are informed about the home-buying process that lies ahead. AMP Senior Home Loan Specialist Aarti Joshi and AMP Senior Personal Banker Nick Stavroulakis join our host AMP Capital Senior Economist Diana Mousina to discuss what you need to know before you start …
