Seven lasting impacts from the COVID pandemic

Seven lasting impacts from the COVID pandemic Key points – Seven key lasting impacts from the Coronavirus pandemic are: “bigger” government; tighter labour markets; reduced globalisation and increased geopolitical tensions; higher inflation; worse housing affordability; working from home; and a faster embrace of technology. – On balance these make for a more fragmented and volatile world for investment returns. But it’s not all negative. Full Details here:-  Download PDF version

Econosights: China – lockdowns, policy stimulus and regulatory burdens | AMP Capital

Econosights: China – lockdowns, policy stimulus and regulatory burdens Key points There are reasons to be optimistic on China: lockdowns are easing which will help to abate supply-chain related inflation, policy stimulus measures have significantly ramped up and more can be done and geopolitical tensions have room to improve with the change of government in Australia and potential roll-back of US tariffs before the November mid-term election. Chinese shares have been hit hard in recent …

Oliver’s Insights – The longer-term legacy of coronavirus – nine implications for investors

The longer-term legacy of coronavirus – nine implications for investors Key points Likely key longer-term implications flowing from the coronavirus pandemic are: bigger government; increased money supply and excess saving; increased geopolitical tensions; reduced globalisation; a faster embrace of technology; a greater focus on lifestyle; and a potential post-pandemic boom. The biggest risk is of significantly higher inflation, reversing the long-term downtrend in interest rates. Introduction The magnitude of the coronavirus shock means it will …

Review of 2021, outlook for 2022 – recovery to continue as we hopefully learn to live with covid | AMP Capital

Review of 2021, outlook for 2022 – recovery to continue as we hopefully learn to live with covid Key Points 2021 was again dominated by the coronavirus pandemic, along with concern about higher inflation and monetary tightening but shares, unlisted assets and balanced growth super funds saw strong returns. Continuing solid economic growth, rising profits and still easy monetary conditions should result in good overall investment returns in 2022, but they are likely to be …

Should I still change jobs despite COVID-19? | Money & Life

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 …

COVID relief continues for retirees

  COVID relief continues for retirees The Australian Government has extended measures brought in to help retirees through the COVID-19 crisis. Lower minimum income rate… If you hold an account-based pension or similar product, you need to withdraw a certain amount each financial year – this is called your minimum income amount. The Government reduced this amount by 50% during the last year. The lower rate has now been extended until 30 June 2022 so Australian …

Back in Style: Rapid COVID recovery a kick starter for the retail sector | AMP Capital

Back in Style: Rapid COVID recovery a kick starter for the retail sector While “rona” was selected by Macquarie Dictionary as 2020’s word of the year, “stir-crazy” would have made it onto many peoples’ shortlists. From closed borders to seating quotas, we have had to contend with various forms of restrictions since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thankfully, cases in Australia have remained under control and life has started to return to normal with …

Aussies saving for a rainy day instead of a holiday

Aussies saving for a rainy day instead of a holiday Not many people can say they’ve been unaffected by COVID-19. Whether you’ve lost work, had hours reduced or been fortunate to maintain employment, COVID has been a wake-up call for how we manage our money and set financial goals. Research1 by AMP shows that the majority of us now believe it’s more important than ever to plan for a secure financial future. For the first time …