Finance
Cheaper renewable energy driving electricity costs down
24 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
24 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]
Consumer price temperature check key to rates outlook
24 April
Australia’s hotly anticipated quarterly consumer price index will land amid fears inflation progress is stalling in some advanced economies and threatening to delay interest rate cuts. Consecutive months of hotter-than-expected United States...[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]
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]
Australia’s healthcare system delivers value for money
24 April
Australia’s healthcare system delivers “some of the best value for money of any in the world”, a federal government research body says. The Productivity Commission’s conclusion is based on its assessment of how much it costs to treat a...[Read More]
Investment markets and key developments – 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]
Tests for skilled migrants set for overhaul
24 April
Testing for prospective migrants to Australia to obtain visas is set to undergo its first overhaul in more than a decade as part of a revamp of the country’s immigration system. The federal government has flagged it is looking to reform the points...[Read More]
Oliver’s insights – Israel/Iran fears and rate cut uncertainty – shares are vulnerable to a bout of volatility but here’s five reasons why the trend will likely remain up
17 April
Key points – After strong gains, shares are vulnerable to a pull back or more volatile/constrained returns than seen so far this year. – The key threats at present are Iran’s attack on Israel which risks escalating the war in the Middle East,...[Read More]
Investment markets and key developments – Weekly market update 12/04/24
17 April
Shares had another rough ride over the last week as higher than expected US inflation saw expectations for Fed rate cuts pushed out further, and reports of imminent strikes by Iran on Israel in retaliation for an attack in Syria pushed US shares...[Read More]
Australia to dodge United States’ inflation uptick
17 April
Australia is yet to declare victory against inflation and hotter-than-expected price data out of the world’s biggest economy and fresh volatility in oil markets are casting shadows over the outlook. AMP deputy chief economist Diana Mousina says...[Read More]
Build-to-rent piece of housing puzzle but no quick fix
17 April
It’s been a tough couple of years to be a renter. As competition for properties has intensified and rents have surged, policymakers have been searching for solutions. While not an answer to the immediate price crunch, the build-to-rent housing...[Read More]
Budget surplus ‘still our goal’ despite war, inflation
17 April
Australians have been warned the budget surplus could be tiny amid cost-of-living pressures and heightened global economic uncertainty with war in Europe and conflict in the Middle East. A month out from the federal budget, Treasurer Jim Chalmers...[Read More]
Global economy ‘fragmenting and transforming’:Treasurer
17 April
Labor will place a “real emphasis on economic security” in the upcoming federal budget as the global economy is fragmenting, Jim Chalmers says. The International Monetary Fund has slightly upgraded its global economic growth forecast but warned...[Read More]