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

Shares sliding again – what’s driving it and is there any light at the end of the tunnel? | AMP Capital

Shares sliding again – what’s driving it and is there any light at the end of the tunnel? Key points Share markets remain under pressure from high inflation, rising rates & bond yields and the rising risk of recession and the threat that poses to company profits. With the rising risk of global recession, global and Australian shares are at high risk of further falls in the short term. However, it’s not all negative. Pipeline …

Millennials and money: what does the future hold? | Money & Life

Millennials and money: what does the future hold? With the rising cost of housing, an aging population, climate change and now a pandemic falling squarely on the shoulders of Australia’s millennials, how is this generation faring financially? The first millennials (born between 1981 and 1996) are turning 40 this year. Still, despite more than twenty years in the workforce, it seems their financial wellbeing isn’t guaranteed. A Commonwealth Bank study has found that almost two thirds (61 …

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 …

How to negotiate better work perks | Money & Life

How to negotiate better work perks With the COVID-19 pandemic taking hold again, many employers aren’t in a position to hand out pay rises, no matter how hard you’ve worked. If that’s the case in your role, it’s worth asking for other non-financial benefits that can improve your work and home life. Negotiating a pay rise or salary package is nerve wracking at the best of times, let alone during a pandemic. And, while you …

The new COVID-19 relief schemes explained

The new COVID-19 relief schemes explained As we navigate more COVID-19 lockdowns across Australia, here’s a guide to the main benefits you may be entitled to from the government, state by state. With new COVID-19 lockdowns, and an increasing number of cases it’s understandable if Aussies are feeling overwhelmed. On top of that, concern about their finances can just add to that stress. The COVID-19 early release of super program ended in December 2020 and the JobKeeper …

The Australian economic recovery remained strong in the March quarter with GDP up 1.8% – seven reasons for optimism | AMP Capital

The Australian economic recovery remained strong in the March quarter with GDP up 1.8% – seven reasons for optimism Key points With growth of 1.8% in the March quarter, Australian GDP is now back above its pre pandemic level. While uncertainties remain – including around the latest coronavirus outbreak in Victoria – there are seven reasons for optimism that the recovery will continue at a decent rate: vaccines; global growth is ramping up; consumer spending …

What can a financial planner do for me in 2021? | Money & Life

What can a financial planner do for me in 2021? With the ups and downs of the COVID-19 pandemic largely behind us, now’s a great time to revisit your finances. So should you seek the help of a professional financial planner, or can you ‘do it yourself’? Read on to find out what a financial planner can do for you. After a rollercoaster 18-months, the financial shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic are finally receding from …

How to reassess your spending and budgeting habits

  How to reassess your spending and budgeting habits From our spending habits to our saving trends, the pandemic has changed the way many Australians think about money. Learn how to reassess your financial situation and create a fresh budget for 2021. There’s no denying the pandemic has significantly affected the finances of many Australians. Some of us are spending more, some are cutting back on non-essential spending and for others, the uncertainty has challenged …

Expect slower medium-term returns

Expect slower medium-term returns Key points The continuing decline in investment yields on the back of falling interest rates and bond yields has seen our medium term (5 to 10 year) return projections for a diversified mix of assets fall to around 4.8% pa. At least it’s still better than sub 1% bank deposit returns. The key for investors is to have realistic return expectations, allow that inflation is also low and focus on assets …