Market Update 14 May Source: Bloomberg, FXStreet, AMP Capital Investment markets and key developments over the past week Share markets fell over the past week as US inflation data for April came in far stronger than expected raising fears of an earlier Fed tightening, before a rebound later in the week – partly helped by softer US retail sales which took some pressure off bond yields – pared losses. So, despite the sharp fall earlier in …
Econosights: Inflation in the COVID-19 world Key points The money supply across major economies has skyrocketed from central bank asset purchases (or quantitative easing), government stimulus payments and wages building up in bank deposits. There is some concern that the boom in money supply growth could lead to an inflation breakout. However, prior surges in the money supply have not always led to higher inflation. Central bank quantitative easing programs are a big driver of …
What happened to all the worries about rising inflation & bond yields? :- Goldilocks, tariffs, Turkey & other things Key points The fear of rising inflation and bond yields that dominated investor thinking earlier this year has faded thanks to a combination of: ongoing relatively benign inflation in the US; Fed hikes remaining gradual; strong earnings growth helping distract share market investors; trade war fears; geopolitical worries around Italy and now Turkey; and finally, slower …
5 money mindsets that hold you back What’s holding you back from taking control of your financial future? Discover the five mind tricks that can stop you from achieving financial success and what you can do to avoid them. Fear of failure Earning and saving money from your salary is all very well. But setting up an alternative income stream from an investment portfolio can help you make the most of your personal wealth potential. …
Should the RBA raise rates to prepare households for higher global rates? Key Points The RBA should avoid calls to raise interest rates prematurely just to prepare households for higher global rates. Such a move would be Iike shooting yourself in the foot in order to practice going to the hospital.. Nor should the RBA mess with the inflation target that has served Australia well. We don’t see it doing either and continue to see …
The real cost of retirement When you’re looking at saving and planning for retirement, it’s important to know how much you can expect to be spending. The latest retirement standard figures and other data sources can give you an idea of the cost of retirement, but what else do you need to take into account to ensure your financial wellbeing? Running the numbers – the retirement standard Since June 2006, the Association of Superannuation Funds of …
What are “returns”? You’ve heard people brag about the great “returns” they may be earning, but there is more than meets the eye when it comes to talking about returns. Just as the word suggests, returns are what comes back to you from your investments or savings. So if you’ve put money in the bank, your returns will include the interest you’ve earned over and above the money you invested. Total returns If you have successfully …
Econosights – The end of Japanese stagnation? Key points Years of low growth and inflation are gradually turning around in Japan thanks to the slow-moving impacts of Abenomics combined with a strong global economy. A lift in growth and employment reforms are increasing participation in the labour market, adding to an already tight labour market. Recent wage agreements will add to inflation. The solid economic cycle and good corporate health is positive news for Japanese …
Share market volatility – Trump and trade war risks Key points Worries about the Fed, trade wars (the risk of which has been significantly exaggerated) and President Trump generally have increased the risk around the global outlook but are unlikely to drive a major bear market. The key issue is whether the US is about to enter a recession and our assessment remains that a US recession is not imminent. The key for investors is …
Where are we in the unlisted commercial property cycle? Key points Australian unlisted commercial property returns have been very strong this decade thanks largely to the “search for attractive yield” by investors. This return driver is expected to start to fade but rising rents, particularly in the south-east office markets, will provide an offset keeping returns solid for now. Commercial property yields still offer a strong premium relative to bonds suggesting we are a long …
