Welcome to the Spring edition of Haven

As we emerge from the hibernation of winter months, I hope you’re feeling spring in the air in your hood.

Are you looking to refinance soon? With most lenders looking at your last three months of financial activity to access your ability to repay a loan, we’ve got some hints and tips to make sure your finances are looking ship-shape when it’s time to refinance.

The RBA ends bond buying – but remains “patient” on rates. We expect the first rate hike in August | AMP Capital

The RBA ends bond buying – but remains “patient” on rates. We expect the first rate hike in August   Key Points The RBA will end quantitative easing this month. While it now sees unemployment falling below 4% and higher inflation it is prepared to be “patient” for now. We expect rate hikes to commence in August. Ultimately, we see the cash rate rising to around 1.5 to 2% in the years ahead but it’s …

Market Update 02 October 2020

Market Update 02 October 2020 Investment markets and key developments over the past week Global share markets mostly rose over the last week helped by dip buying in the US, some hope (which is now fading) for a new US stimulus deal and mostly good economic data. Australian shares fell though, after bucking the trend of falling markets in the previous week and with energy, consumer staple, utility, health and financial shares particularly hard hit. …

Getting started in property | Q&AMP

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 …

Making the most of record low interest rates

Making the most of record low interest rates The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) took the cash rate to a record low of 1% in July, bringing mortgage rates to their lowest level in more than half a century. However, the low cash rate also means your money in the bank could be earning less interest. Why did the RBA cut rates? Rate cuts are a way for the RBA to help stimulate the economy. …

Why buying too many items on sale could be costing you a mint

Why buying too many items on sale could be costing you a mint Are you rushing out to buy things you need, or could really be going without? We’ve all done it—seen something on sale (particularly over the Christmas/New Year trading period) and without a second thought, jumped to the conclusion—great discount, I must have it straight away. If it’s an item that has been on your list for a while, you might save some …

Volatility could present buying opportunities in 2018

Volatility could present buying opportunities in 2018 Volatility and the first meaningful lift in inflation coming from the United States will likely be the main differentiating features in global financial markets in 2018 compared to this year, according to Dr Shane Oliver, AMP Capital’s Head of Investment Strategy and Chief Economist. The dips in share markets experts anticipated in 2017 are more likely to materialise in the new year, Oliver notes. But with global growth …

Volatility could present buying opportunities in 2018

13 December 2017 Volatility could present buying opportunities in 2018 Volatility and the first meaningful lift in inflation coming from the United States will likely be the main differentiating features in global financial markets in 2018 compared to this year, according to Dr Shane Oliver, AMP Capital’s Head of Investment Strategy and Chief Economist. The dips in share markets experts anticipated in 2017 are more likely to materialise in the new year, Oliver notes. But …

Am I better off renting or buying a home? – revisited

Am I better off renting or buying a home? – revisited About a year ago, we took a look at one of the biggest questions in property, whether to rent or buy. We now revisit this debate to examine whether the property market has changed over the last 12 months and how this might impact you if you were thinking about renting or buying a property. The debate continues If you’re following the rent vs …

All you need to know about buying at auction

All you need to know about buying at auction Five simple steps―and our checklist―can help you be ready for auction! Bidding for a property at auction can be stressful but you can reduce the stress involved. Before you consider bidding use our tips to make sure you’re prepared and know what to expect. Step 1: Work out the costs Working out how much you can afford to repay on a home loan plus all the …