The Australian Government’s Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook – peak deficit has likely been seen

The Australian Government’s Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook – peak deficit has likely been seen Key points Reflecting the faster than expected Australian economic recovery, the Federal Government has upgraded its growth forecasts and downgraded its unemployment expectations. This in turn, along with higher than expected revenue from higher iron ore prices, has seen the expected budget deficit for this financial year revised down slightly to $198bn from $214bn. We have probably now seen the …

Econosights: The unequal impact of COVID-19 across Australia’s states

Econosights: The unequal impact of COVID-19 across Australia’s states   Key points States/territories with lower cases of COVID-19 have had stronger economic performance compared to the hardest hit states of NSW and Vic. This is not surprising given the imposed and self-regulated household mobility restrictions. Lower overseas migration over the next few years is a big negative for NSW and Vic state growth. Net migration had been a big driver of NSW and Vic population …

Market Update 11 December 2020

Market Update 11 December 2020 Investment markets and key developments over the past week Global share markets had a slight pull back over the last week with the absence of a new stimulus deal and still rising new coronavirus cases in the US weighing. Despite this, Australian shares rose for the sixth week in a row, albeit it was only a small gain, with a surge in the iron ore price and higher oil prices pushing …

Market Update 04 December 2020

Market Update 04 December 2020 Investment markets and key developments over the past week Global share markets mostly pushed higher again over the last week helped by reasonably good economic data, renewed stimulus talk in the US and ongoing vaccine optimism. Eurozone shares slipped a bit, but other major markets rose with US shares reaching a new record high. Reflecting the strong global lead, stronger than expected Australian economic data and a surging iron ore price …

Market Update 27 November 2020

Market Update 27 November 2020 Investment markets and key developments over the past week Global share markets pushed higher again over the last week as positive vaccine news helped offset fears about the short-term economic impact of lockdowns in the US and Europe. US shares made it to a new record high as President elect Biden’s nomination of Janet Yellen as Treasury Secretary was seen as positive. Reflecting the positive global lead Australian shares had a …

Market Update 20 November 2020

Market Update 20 November 2020   Investment markets and key developments over the past week While the US S&P 500 fell slightly over the last week on the back of rising new coronavirus cases and tightening restrictions in the US, other major global share markets rose helped by good vaccine news. Australian shares continued to recover with hopes that quick action will limit a covid outbreak in South Australia and as economic data continued to surprise …

Market Update 13 November 2020

Market Update 13 November 2020 Investment markets and key developments over the past week Global share markets rose further over the last week helped by positive news regarding a vaccine for coronavirus but gains were reduced later in the week by rising US coronavirus cases and the threat this posed to the economy with no progress on more fiscal stimulus. Australia shares rose sharply again helped by the positive global lead, a surge in energy stocks …

Market Update 6 November 2020

Market Update 6 November 2020 Investment markets and key developments over the past week Global share markets rebounded over the last week as a resolution of the US election came into sight offering more fiscal stimulus, less trade wars and likely avoiding US tax hikes. While the rebound in shares may be surprising given that the election is not fully resolved yet, US shares typically rally after close elections as we move into the stronger …

Market Update 30 October 2020

Market Update 30 October 2020   Investment markets and key developments over the past week Global share markets mostly fell again over the past week on the back of rising new coronavirus cases in Europe and the US, new lockdowns in Europe, signs of a tightening election in the US raising the prospect of a contested election and the absence of any progress towards a pre-election fiscal stimulus in the US. Reflecting the week global lead …

Financial wellness in 2020 – how does yours compare?

Financial wellness in 2020 – how does yours compare? Financial wellness is how you feel about your money. It can affect your overall wellbeing and other areas of your life, such as work and family. So, while money isn’t the be-all and end-all, how you feel about it is pretty important. Since 2014, AMP has been commissioning research1 into the financial wellbeing of Australians and has developed the Financial Wellness Index. It measures a person’s satisfaction …