The good news in the plunge in markets – higher medium-term return potential (assuming inflation is tamed) Key points The fall in bond and share values and rise in their investment yields on the back of higher inflation has seen our medium term (5 to 10 year) return projections for a diversified mix of assets rise to around 6.8% p.a. If inflation falls back to around 2.5% pa this suggests reasonable average returns ahead. The …
Should you merge your finances with your partner? If you’re in a relationship, it can be tricky to work out when to start sharing income and expenses. Here are a few ways to successfully merge money as a couple. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many aspects of our daily lives, and romance is no exception. While lengthy separations have led some relationships to end, other couples are choosing to move in together more quickly than …
Super milestones to hit in your 20s, 30s and 40s It’s never too early or too late to start planning for life after work, but where do you start? If you’re feeling unsure about how your super stacks up, take a look at our simple guide. While there’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to superannuation, it can help to understand what you need to focus on at each stage of life. Endura Private Wealth director Craig Stobbie …
Australian housing finance is booming… but can it continue? What the data is saying According to figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) , the total value of new loan commitments for housing and within that, the value of owner occupier home loan commitments each reached record highs last month. Some key figures include: 1. The total value of new loan commitments for housing rose 8.6 per cent to $26 billion (seasonally adjusted.) This …
Create an 8-week Christmas savings plan The sooner you start saving for Christmas, the better. But you can do it in just eight weeks – even if you have a tight budget in the lead-up to this year’s festive season. Here’s how to develop a plan to save money and reach your holiday goals. Fairy lights twinkling, seafood on the barbie, gifts being wrapped and Michael Bublé crooning in the background – Christmas can …
GDP figures are creeping to Great Depression levels, but there’s more to the story On September 2, gross domestic product (GDP) data for the June quarter confirmed that Australia is experiencing its first recession since 1991. Australia has recorded backwards growth for the second quarter in a row, with Australian GDP falling by 7% in the June quarter. While the figure is better than forecasts a few months ago – about a 10% …
ECONOMICS & MARKETS After the Bell: daily market update, July 20 20 Jul, 2020 ASX has had a soft start to the week, global markets finished well last week, and the economic impact of a second wave or accelerated first waves. Chief Economist Shane Oliver shares his insights 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 …
A new financial year with some new super rules The start of a new financial year always brings with it new rules for super funds. Sometimes there are lots of changes, which are wide-reaching, and in other years there’s just a few. For the 2020/21 financial year, the two main changes are: the abolition of the work test for anyone aged 66 and 67 years old who wish to make personal non-concessional contributions; and an …
Finding the right financial planner for you Money & Life contributors draw on their diverse range of experience to present you with insights and guidance that will help you manage your financial wellbeing, achieve your lifestyle goals and plan for your financial future. How should you start your search for a financial planner? There are some fundamentals you should look for in the first instance. A license to provide financial advice – Always look for …
