Econosights – Why is inflation declining globally but not in Australia?

Senior Economist Diana Mousina highlights the three main reasons why inflation is declining globally but not in Australia

Australia’s Achilles’ heel – high household debt and rising interest rates…it’s not as bad as it looks, but it’s still an issue | AMP Capital

Australia’s Achilles’ heel – high household debt and rising interest rates…it’s not as bad as it looks, but it’s still an issue   Key points Australian household debt has risen dramatically since the 1980s and is high compared to other countries. The rise is not as bad as it looks because it’s been matched by rising wealth and debt servicing problems are low. However, this will likely change as interest rates rise further & if …

Downsizing should be a choice, not a wealth strategy

Downsizing should be a choice, not a wealth strategy Downsizing to a coastal town or regional hub can hold lifestyle appeal, but don’t bank on it as a strategy to fund your retirement. For many empty nesters, who may not have had the benefit of employer-paid super throughout their working life, the value of the family home can be seen as the jewel in the crown of a retirement funding strategy. After all, who cares …

Equities riding on fear not fundamentals

Equities riding on fear not fundamentals “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself,” said Franklin D Roosevelt at his inauguration as US President in 1933. I think “the only thing we have to fear is the fear index itself” is a better description of where investors are at right now. It’s been a wild ride on Wall Street and beyond of the past week – the worst in two years for the …

Not without my smartphone

Not without my smartphone The nation’s fixation with logging on has people glancing at their devices more than 440 million times a day. Digital devices in Australia have not only changed the way we communicate, but how we socialise, plan, work, transact, access information and entertain ourselves—not to mention, multi-task! The advancement of digital technology has also given rise to improvements in education, personal development and, in some ways, reduced our impact on the environment, …

Could you own a chunk of $15 billion[1] and not know it yet?

Could you own a chunk of $15 billion[1] and not know it yet? With millions of super accounts waiting for their owners, it’s easy to reclaim your money. Few people would be willing to turn their backs on thousands of hard-earned dollars. Yet when it comes to super money, many people have thousands of missing dollars they don’t know about. More accounts, less money It’s easy for super to get lost. Most of us have …

Should I take my super as a lump sum or not?

Should I take my super as a lump sum or not? When it comes to accessing your super, it’s important you make the right choice. You’ve spent your working life accumulating super. So when the time comes, are you better off taking a lump sum, regular income or both? Let’s weigh up the alternatives so you can start to consider what may be best for you. Taking a lump sum If your super has been …