Some recent questions on Australian inflation Key points The Australian inflation rate peaked in the December quarter but has been slower to decline than some global peers. While interest rate rises are helping to reduce inflation (especially as discretionary consumer spending slows), rises in domestic energy prices, a tight rental market and a lagged pick … Read more
You may be eligible to make concessional contributions that are greater than the annual cap if you haven’t fully used your concessional cap in an earlier year. This could help you to save even more for retirement, while also managing tax. What are concessional contributions? There are a number of ways you can contribute to … Read more
Earning interest on interest: learn how the power of compounding can send your savings rocketing. Key takeaways Compound interest enables you to earn interest on interest which is accumulated over time. The effect of compound interest becomes extremely powerful over a long timeframe as the amount of interest earned grows. Investing in your super is … Read more
There are special rules for granny flat arrangements that may prevent the deprivation rules from applying. However they must satisfy a range of requirements. Retirees wanting to downsize their home may consider the option of living in a granny flat or an extension to / spare room of a relative or friend’s home. Money, the … Read more
July was a relatively uneventful month in financial markets and volatility remained low. Generally speaking, risk assets continued to perform well despite a sharp increase in the oil price. In fact July was the best month for oil since January 2022. Inflation seems to be coming off the boil in most key regions, reducing the … Read more
If you receive the Age Pension, recent changes to means testing for retirees could put more money in your pocket. These changes impact the assessment of certain lifetime income streams that began on or after 1 July 2019 (including any that you take up now). Lifetime income streams There are two main types of lifetime … Read more
Key points – After the rough ride of 2021-22, 2022-23 turned out to be a good one for investors as shares rebounded thanks to falling inflation and hopes rates are near the top. – Shares are at risk of a pull back as central banks remain hawkish and recession risks are high. However, returns over … Read more
Key points A progress report on inflation: Inflation appears to have peaked, led by improvements in core goods prices and rate sensitive sectors like housing. The policy focus has shifted to labour market normalisation where early signs of progress are emerging. Is a soft landing in sight? The Fed remains committed to doing “whatever it … Read more
Economic update May 2023 Investment markets were relatively calm in April, following a period of heightened volatility in March when banking failures in the US and Europe had shaken confidence. Most major share markets closed the month around 2% higher, extending gains in the calendar year to date. Overall there was increasing optimism that major … Read more
Many Australians were fortunate to lock in record low interest rates but this may be drawing to an end. A large portion of mortgages will be approaching the end of their fixed term, leaving many households paying two to three times their current fixed rate. In this article, we’ll explain what to expect when your … Read more