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Market Update: Breaking point
Article by BetaShares Exchange Traded Funds Global Markets Mixed earnings reports, hot U.S. wage and price inflation, and the prospect of an aggressive U.S. Fed rate hike conspired to send global equities lower again last week. Of course, we can add to this worrying mix, renewed concerns over China’s economy due its harsh lockdowns and…
Read MoreHow SMEs can stay on top of business
The last two years have taught us all that the world is increasingly unpredictable. Business owners and managers have less control than ever, but there are two simple things businesses can do NOW to prepare for the next unpredictable event, and ultimately stay on top. Risk management planning By definition, risk is something that poses…
Read MoreCost of Living stress
The cost of living is worrying Australians. Consumers have been spooked in recent weeks by eye-watering petrol prices and grocery costs. The Central Coast has the added pressure of rising council rates and property/rental prices to boot. Nervousness remains, with the war in Ukraine set to continue to disrupt oil supply and the cost of…
Read MoreHow much superannuation should you have at your age?
Recent figures by the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) show how much people of various ages actually have in super, versus how much they’ll need in retirement. They are two very different numbers that highlight the need for Australians of all ages to engage in their super to make sure they will have…
Read MoreSafe as Houses? The Sequel
Article by AllianceBernstein In our 2017 article “ Safe as Houses? Don’t Bet on it.” we argued that Australian house prices can and do fall. With the Westpac-Institute of Melbourne Time-to-Buy a dwelling index at lows not seen since the GFC, it’s a good time to revisit that analysis. House prices up 20 to 30% in…
Read MoreFederal Budget 2022/2023
On Tuesday 29 March, the 2022/2023 Federal Budget was handed down by Josh Frydenberg. The measures announced in the budget are of course subject to legislative approval and to any policy changes which may come about if there is a change in Government at the federal election. Here’s a summary that we think will be…
Read MoreMarket Update: War and Inflation Impact Markets
Article by MFS For the week ending 25 March 2022 As of noon on Friday, global equities struggled to advance on the week, marking consecutive weekly gains for the first time in 2022. The price of a barrel of West Texas Intermediate crude oil rose to $113.47 from $104.69 last Friday. The yield on the US…
Read MoreATO crackdown on Family Trusts
In an effort to crack down on Family Trusts, the Australian Tax Office (ATO) released a draft ruling and accompanying guidance in February. The draft ruling suggests that they intend to target ‘reimbursement arrangements’, generally referred to as Section 100A. There is much detail trustees and beneficiaries need to get their heads around, but for…
Read MoreInsurance – trends tips and traps in the wake of a(nother) natural disaster
Natural disasters are becoming increasingly common, severe and geographically indiscriminate. This is having an expensive ripple-on effect: higher insurance premiums, more instances of under-insurance and more pressure on the tax-payer to meet the shortfall. So what can you do to stay protected? If you haven’t had to review your property insurances in the last 12…
Read MoreLegislation changes to super – benefits individuals aged 60+ and First Home Buyers
Proposals from the 2021 Federal Budget in relation to superannuation have now passed legislation and will come into effect on 1 July 2022. Benefits include savings opportunities and tax reduction measures especially for people aged 60+ and first home buyers. Benefits to people aged 60+: Individuals aged between 67 and 75 will no longer be…
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