Investing in shares is a popular way of helping people to achieve their long-term financial goals. These investments can generate favourable returns over time as companies grow and improve their profitability. Dividends paid by listed companies can also generate a useful income stream. However, there are also risks associated with investments in shares. Companies (or … Read more
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 and 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 year. Selling shares … Read more
It’s an important question as prices rise around the world fuelled by soaring energy and commodity costs, supply chain constraints and a geopolitical retreat from globalisation. In Australia, headline inflation is expected to reach 5 per cent by the end of the year. And while that’s still low from an historical perspective, it is above … Read more
Probate is the legal process that occurs when dealing with a loved one’s will after their death. It can be difficult to know what’s involved with the process and the questions to ask. What is Probate? Probate is the process that makes sure the instructions in a will can be followed. It involves proving and … Read more
The big issue for investors in or close to retirement, is risk. The 2020 COVID-19 share sell off and recent equity market volatility shows just how quickly share prices can move. Volatility can have different meanings for different investors, those with a long-term horizon can be less concerned, knowing they have time on their side. … Read more
Both older and younger Australians, as well as low-income earners, are set to benefit from some upcoming super opportunities. From 1 July 2022, there will be some changes made to super to make it easier for people to grow their retirement savings. These changes will create opportunities for both older and younger Australians, as well … Read more
Everyone buying into the housing market hopes that their purchase will appreciate over time, while sellers want to pick the top of the market. Clearly the growth rates in the Australian housing market, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne, peaked some time ago – March last year. But prices have mostly been still rising, albeit at … Read more
With war in Eastern Europe, inflation surging and Covid lockdowns inhibiting industrial production in parts of China, investment markets faced a rising tide of volatility over the past quarter. Yet while this may feel like the worst of times, it may really be that the 14 or so years since the GFC are the outlier … Read more
How much you need to save for a comfortable retirement is a question many of us ask. While we all hope for a simple answer, how much money you need in retirement differs for everyone. Additionally, a comfortable retirement is based on a whole range of factors including: When you retire How long you’ll spend … Read more
Introduction Inflationary forces continued to intensify in key regions, which suggested interest rates could be raised more quickly and more aggressively than previously anticipated. Government bond yields continued to rise sharply, resulting in negative returns from fixed income markets. The likelihood of rising borrowing costs also appeared to spook equity markets, which performed poorly over … Read more