Investment markets and key developments ā Weekly market update 26/4/24
2 May
Global shares rose over the last week recovering some of their losses from prior weeks helped by no further escalation in the Israel/Iran conflict and solid profit results in the US.Ā However, the gains were limited by inflation and interest rate...[Read More]
Inflation moderating but not as quickly as hoped
2 May
Australian inflation has come in hotter than expected, with price increases hitting a broad array of categories including rents, education and medical bills. Annual inflation is still tracking in the right direction, falling to 3.6 per cent in the...[Read More]
Jobseeker cash rise quashed but other help on the cards
2 May
Calls to boost Jobseeker and youth allowance payments have been hosed down by Treasurer Jim Chalmers, who says he will look at other ways to help struggling Australians as he prepares his third budget. A dozen top economists have joined a growing...[Read More]
Oliverās insights The art of happiness ā economics and the āhedonic treadmillā
2 May
Key points ā Despite a big rise in GDP per person, surveyed measures of happiness have been flat to falling in the US and Australia. ā Younger people in the US, Canada, Australia and NZ are the least happy age group. This is a major change from...[Read More]
Investors on the hook for artificial intelligence abuse
2 May
Discrimination, loss of privacy and distorted data linked to artificial intelligence is putting companies and their backers at risk, an investor group warns. A network with more than 500 members representing US$29 trillion in assets released advice...[Read More]
Electric and hybrid vehicles racing ahead in the āburbs
2 May
Drivers in outer city suburbs are increasingly ditching petrol for electric and plug-in hybrid cars and taking advantage of tax breaks to make the switch. An analysis by the National Automotive Leasing and Salary Packaging Association released on...[Read More]
Small business tips when using a tax professional
1 May
Are you running a busy small business? It might make it easier for you to have a tax professional help you with your tax obligations. You can also find information yourself, for example through theĀ ATO websiteĀ andĀ ATO CommunityExternal...[Read More]
Steps to building an emergency fund & why do you need one
25 April
Life is unpredictable, and financial surprises can arise when you least expect them. This is where an emergency fund comes in. This financial safety net is designed to cover unexpected expenses, like car repairs or medical bills, or provide support...[Read More]
Ensuring Harmony and Legality: The Critical Role of Legal Advice in Family Estate Planning
25 April
Estate planning is a crucial but often challenging aspect of managing familial wealth and assets, particularly as parents age. The process involves making decisions about how to allocate assets such as businesses and property among siblings, which...[Read More]
Getting your pet ready when going on a holiday
25 April
Are you getting ready for a long-awaited holiday? You probably have plenty of preparation and planning to do, especially if you have pets.Ā Ā Whether taking your pet with you or leaving it with a trusted caregiver, there is still much to take care...[Read More]
Cheaper renewable energy driving electricity costs down
25 April
Rising demand for electricity has been met by more solar and wind generation, which is keeping a lid on prices and carbon emissions, the market operator says. Renewable energy generation drove down wholesale prices in the first three months of 2024...[Read More]
Senators want property tax reforms back on the agenda
25 April
Tweaking property investor taxes could save the federal budget billions and boost home ownership, even with exemptions for those operating under the old rules, analysis commissioned by two senators suggests. Independent senators David Pocock and...[Read More]
More cost of living relief on cards in federal budget
24 April
Cost of living help in addition to well-signposted tax relief remains on the cards if the federal government can find room for it in the upcoming budget. Treasurer Jim Chalmers says the tax relief, due to kick in midway through this year, will be...[Read More]
Investment markets and key developments ā Weekly market update19/4/2024
24 April
Global and Australian shares fell again over the last week on the back of concerns about an escalation of the war in the Middle East (as Iran attacked Israel and then Israel retaliated), US Fed officials added to expectations for a delay in rate...[Read More]
More Aussies to buy an electric cars but price a factor
24 April
The price of electric vehicles is still proving a speed bump in Australia, a report has found, and government rebates may not be addressing the issue. But the research by Pureprofile, released on Wednesday, also found a greater number of Australians...[Read More]