Australia’s productivity challenge – why it matters and what to do about it Key points The last twenty years have seen a sharp slowdown in productivity growth in Australia from over 2% pa to around 1.2% pa. This has adversely affected growth in living standards and real wages. It will adversely affect asset class returns if allowed to persist. Policies to boost productivity growth include: labour market reforms; more skills training; ongoing high levels of …
The plunge in shares & flow on to super – key things for investors to keep in mind during times of market turmoil Key points Share markets have fallen sharply in recent weeks continuing the plunge that started early this year due to worries about inflation, monetary tightening, recession & geopolitical issues including the invasion of Ukraine. It’s still too early to say markets have bottomed. This will weigh on super returns for this financial …
US political protests, inflation and rising bond yields Key points US protests are only an issue for investment markets if they significantly impact economic activity. Global and Australian recovery will boost bond yields and there is good reason to believe that (after yet another false ending) the now nearly 40-year super cycle decline in bond yields may be at or close to over. But the end of the bond bull market is likely to be …
How leaders can embrace change The recent pandemic has seen the way leaders direct and manage their teams change. Dr Ty Wiggins outlines how leaders can take a proactive approach to this time of transition. It is an understatement to say that COVID-19 has changed the world we live and work in – from the health threat to the changes in buying behaviour to the acceptance of working from home. The changes in our society …
ECONOMICS & MARKETS After the Bell: daily market update, July 13 13 Jul, 2020 The ASX was up today, but concerns remain about recent growth in COVID-19 numbers in Australia. Our chief economist, Shane Oliver, unpicks the day and week that was. Important information While every care has been taken in the preparation of this video, AMP Capital Investors Limited (ABN 59 001 777 591, AFSL 232497) and AMP Capital Funds Management Limited (ABN 15 …
Common tax mistakes for SMSFs with rental properties In our recent article we covered tax relief concessions that could be considered where SMSF trustees have agreed to rent reductions for their tenants. Any reduction is decided on a case-by-case basis and the positions of the landlord and tenant. Whether the property is rented on a long-term or short-term basis, there are some simple lessons to be remembered to ensure the fund complies with the rules. …
Planning, not panic: managing retirement portfolios through the pandemic Despite the recent wild ride for markets coping with the uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic, many investors are well-versed in the need to “sit tight”. They understand that moving out of positions in falling markets risks crystallising losses at the bottom and missing out on the recovery. For retirees it’s not so simple, where portfolios are particularly vulnerable to sequencing and behavioural risks that are not …
Planning, not panic: managing retirement portfolios through the pandemic Despite the recent wild ride for markets coping with the uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic, many investors are well-versed in the need to “sit tight”. They understand that moving out of positions in falling markets risks crystallising losses at the bottom and missing out on the recovery. For retirees it’s not so simple, where portfolios are particularly vulnerable to sequencing and behavioural risks that are not …
Aged care – A loser in the recent 2015-16 Federal Budget Residential aged care received only minimal attention in the government’s recent Federal Budget. Unfortunately, people entering residential aged care from 1 January 2016 are the losers from the budget, as the strategy available to assist families wishing to keep the family home will be removed. Currently there is an advantage for people entering aged care to keep the family home and fund all …
