Finance
Oliver’s insights – The Australian home price downturn deepened in August, with more to go
2 September
Key points The slump in national average home prices continued in August with prices down 0.9% according to Cotality, their fifth monthly fall. The fall in July was revised down to -1.2%. Further falls are likely as we continue to expect another...[Read More]
Investment markets and key developments – Weekly market update – 28/08/2026
2 September
Sharemarkets generally pushed higher this week on further signs of a progress in oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, more blockbuster US tech earnings, continued solid US economic data, relatively unchanged bond yields and signs that US...[Read More]
The earlier you understand and engage with your super, the greater the benefits of time and compound interest
27 August
Superannuation is one of the most powerful tools Australians have to build long-term financial security. Yet, for many young people, it remains out of sight and out of mind. They may see it as something for “future them” to worry about —...[Read More]
Investment markets and key developments – Weekly market update 21/08/2026
26 August
After record highs in US and European shares a week ago, global shares pulled back in the last week reflecting concerns about rising bond yields, not helped by a further rise in oil prices and some continuing concerns about chip makers. Despite a...[Read More]
‘Hot mess’ inflation result puts rate rise on the table
26 August
More interest rate hikes are on the cards after Australia’s headline inflation rate came in higher than expected, despite falling to its lowest level in eight months. The consumer price index rose one per cent in July, resulting in the annual rate...[Read More]
Foreign property purchases fall as home buyer ban bites
26 August
Purchases of Australian property by overseas investors have plunged after the government announced a ban on foreigners buying Australian homes. The number of investment approvals fell by more than 22 per cent to 5284 in 2024/25, the Productivity...[Read More]
The top 5 tax mistakes small business owners make
20 August
Tax is an unavoidable part of running a small business, but it is also one of the areas that can create the most confusion. For many business owners, tax sits somewhere between administration, compliance and financial planning. It is often pushed...[Read More]
Investing through a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF)
20 August
A Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) offers individuals greater control over their retirement savings, allowing them to choose a variety of investment options. To maximise long-term returns and financial security, it is essential to understand the...[Read More]
Oliver’s insights – Why investors need to treat forecasts with caution
19 August
Key points The increasing noise around investing – associated with a messier economic and geopolitical backdrop along with an explosion in information flow and the rise of social media – is arguably accentuating a desire for investment...[Read More]
Investment markets and key developments – Weekly market update – 14/08/2026
19 August
Global share markets mostly rose over the last week helped by good earnings results and some moderation in expectations for Fed rate hikes. For the week US shares rose 0.4% and Eurozone shares rose 0.3% with both making new record highs, and...[Read More]
Jobs data and a fireside chat: the economic week ahead
19 August
As the US dragged itself out of the Great Depression, newly-elected president Franklin D Roosevelt pioneered an informal style of radio address to nurture rapport with a bruised American public. It’s unclear whether the LED lighting at...[Read More]
AI boom, productivity malaise making RBA’s job harder
19 August
The surge in artificial intelligence investment and Australia’s sluggish productivity growth rate are forcing the Reserve Bank to keep interest rates higher, a top central bank official says. Speaking two days after the RBA kept the cash rate...[Read More]
Oliver’s insights – Another hawkish RBA hold at 4.35% – expect one more hike later this year
12 August
Key points The RBA left the cash rate on hold at 4.35% for the second meeting in a row. Some softer than expected readings for underlying inflation, jobs and home prices allowed it to remain in wait and see mode as it “assesses” the impact of...[Read More]
‘Hawkish’ RBA open to more hikes after holding rates
12 August
The Reserve Bank has left the door open to more interest rate hikes as it held the benchmark lending rate steady for a second straight meeting. Falling house prices and lower-than-expected inflation helped convince the central bank’s nine-member...[Read More]
Households to bear the brunt of sluggish productivity
12 August
Mortgage holders may have been spared more rate pain by the Reserve Bank but Australia’s chronically weak productivity growth means households will continue to suffer. As the RBA board held interest rates steady for a second-straight meeting, it...[Read More]