Investment markets and key developments – Weekly market update 30-01-2026
4 February
Global markets had a volatile week amidst ongoing US tariff threats, fears of a US strike on Iran, some mixed US earnings news, Trump’s announcement of Kevin Warsh who is seen as less dovish as his nomination for Fed Chair to replace Powell, and...[Read More]
Borrowed time: rate hike unlikely to be one-and-done
4 February
Borrowers have borne the brunt of a resurgence in inflation, with the Reserve Bank lifting interest rates and leaving the door open for more. The RBA’s monetary policy board lifted the cash rate by 25 basis points to 3.85 per cent in a unanimous...[Read More]
Grim forecasts for Aussie inflation and unemployment
4 February
Australia is set for higher inflation, faster price growth and lower real income growth, the Reserve Bank has predicted in grim new forecasts. Released alongside the central bank’s decision to lift interest rates by 0.25 percentage points on...[Read More]
Discount loans to drive down the price of electric cars
4 February
Motorists will be offered another incentive to choose electric over petrol through a $60 million program to cut the cost of car loans. The Climate Energy Finance Corporation announced the scheme in partnership with Hyundai on Tuesday, revealing it...[Read More]
Supply shortage underpins shaky growth in home values
4 February
Growth in Australian home values re-accelerated in January, defying predictions 2026 would be a softer year for the property market and fears of an imminent Reserve Bank rate rise. The median dwelling price hit a fresh national record of $912,465,...[Read More]
‘Milestone deal’ for 100,000 first homes target
4 February
An $800 million Commonwealth-state deal for 17,000 new homes is a milestone in the promise to provide 100,000 dwellings for first-time buyers, the federal government says. The agreement will include almost 7000 homes for first-up owners in Adelaide...[Read More]
Petrol, diesel cars slow while hybrids, EVs speed up
4 February
A growing number of motorists are putting the brakes on petrol and diesel vehicles, instead choosing hybrid and electric models for their next car. The trend is accelerating in 2026, according to figures from the Federal Chamber of Automotive...[Read More]
Tourists begin paying to see Rome’s Trevi Fountain
4 February
Tourists keen to follow tradition by tossing a coin into Rome’s Trevi Fountain will need to dig a little deeper as the city introduces a visitor fee. The new 2-euro ($A3.40) charge, aimed at easing overtourism and helping fund upkeep of the...[Read More]
7 Smart tax tips for busy professionals (and why a trusted accountant is your secret weapon)
29 January
For busy professionals, tax is rarely the top priority—until the deadline looms, the stress kicks in, and you’re scrambling through emails, receipts, and bank statements, wondering if you’ve missed something important. Between long work hours,...[Read More]
Nobody wants your stuff (and that’s okay)
29 January
Let’s just say it plainly, softly, and maybe with a nervous laugh: nobody wants your stuff. Not in the way you think they do, anyway. This isn’t a judgement. It’s a mercy. And once you really let it sink in, it’s oddly freeing. Because one...[Read More]
Building smarter: How to create an environmentally friendly home
29 January
Sustainability is no longer a niche consideration in property—it’s becoming a core part of how Australians design, build, and renovate their homes. With rising energy costs, increasing climate awareness, and greater buyer demand for efficient...[Read More]
Why Reviewing Your Life Insurance Matters More Than You Think
29 January
Life insurance is one of those things many people set up once and then forget about. It’s often arranged during a major life moment—buying a home, starting a family, or changing jobs—and then quietly left in the background. But life doesn’t...[Read More]
Spin the globe: A couple’s guide to travelling slowly, deeply, and together
29 January
There’s a moment that happens when you travel as a couple — usually somewhere between packing bags and boarding a plane — where you realise this trip isn’t really about the destination at all. It’s about time. Time away from routines,...[Read More]
Oliver’s Insights – From the age of the economist to the age of the populist – key insights from economics, why many are ignored & what it means for investors
28 January
Key points Economics provides a range of insights including that: there is no free lunch; prices in free markets are usually best at allocating scarce resources; government policy comes with benefits and costs; productivity underpins living...[Read More]
Investment markets and key developments – Weekly market update 23-01-2026
28 January
Global shares fell over the last week on fears of a trade war between the US and Europe over Trump’s desire to get Greenland. While shares rebounded once he backed down this still left them lower for the week with US shares down 0.4%, Eurozone...[Read More]