The return of geopolitical risk? – what to watch over the remainder of 2021 | AMP Capital

The return of geopolitical risk? – what to watch over the remainder of 2021 Key points Geopolitical issues generate much interest but don’t necessarily have a significant impact on markets. But geopolitical risks are higher than prior to the GFC reflecting three big themes: a populist backlash against economic rationalist policies; the falling relative power of the US; and the polarising impact of social media. After a lull following the transition to President Biden, key …

RBA holds – but more stimulus likely as Victorian lockdown to knock at least $12bn from national GDP | AMP Capital

RBA holds – but more stimulus likely as Victorian lockdown to knock at least $12bn from national GDP Key points Victoria’s tightening lockdown could knock at least $12bn off the Victorian and national economy and delay the return to positive Australian GDP growth to the December quarter. The further hit to the economy and likely additional upwards pressure on unemployment is increasing pressure for more policy stimulus. This is likely to see the federal budget …

Magic money tree – QE & money printing and their part in the coronavirus economic rescue | AMP Capital

So why do quantitative easing? Normally central banks implement monetary policy by changing interest rates. But when interest rates have already fallen to zero, in order to support the economy central banks have been turning to boosting the quantity of money in the economy. Hence quantitative easing. The current expansion in quantitative easing (and its adoption in Australia) reflects: A need to ensure that short term money markets continue to function – as lenders became …

RBA marks new record low with March cash rate call | AMP Capital

The Reserve Bank board has cut interest rates again by 0.25% at their March meeting, their fourth such cut since June last year. The move comes largely in response to the uncertainty caused by the global outbreak of the coronavirus (Covid-19), and up until about last Friday I’d have said it was a close call as to whether the bank would cut or stay put. The run of soft domestic economic data over the past …

Boost savings with compound interest

Boost savings with compound interest If your goal is to save for the future, or perhaps start putting away for your children’s education – then unless you plan on putting your savings under your mattress, the sooner you start the better. That’s because you could be missing out on earning compound interest along the way that could make a stark difference to the overall amount you save. The difference between simple interest and compound interest …

High times for low interest rates

High times for low interest rates With mortgage rates at their lowest since the days of black and white TV, this might be the right time to make a serious dent in your home loan. Lower rates mean any money you have in the bank could be earning less interest. But if you have a variable home loan rate and your lender passes on the cut, you’ll pay off more of your loan faster just …

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. …

Should the RBA raise rates to prepare households for higher global rates?

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 …

After the Australian household debt and east coast housing booms – interest rates on hold until 2020

After the Australian household debt and east coast housing booms – interest rates on hold until 2020 Will Australian interest rates ever go up? While the global economy is seeing its fastest growth in years and the US Federal Reserve has increased rates five times since December 2015 and is on track for more hikes this year, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has now left interest rates on hold for a record 21 months …

Borrowing money: When and how to do it right

Borrowing money: When and how to do it right We all know getting into debt isn’t really desirable. So are there times when borrowing is justified? And what’s the best approach to keeping repayments within reasonable limits? We spoke to CFP® Sandy Hopps  to get expert advice on smart ways to borrow money. Recent reports and statistics show we’re no strangers to debt in Australia. According to OECD data from 2015, Australia is 4th in the world …