Finance
Investing can be a roller coaster: 3 tips for riding the ups and downs
17 April
Investing is rarely a smooth ride. Markets rise, fall, and sometimes loop-the-loop, leaving even the most seasoned investors feeling queasy. Just like a roller coaster, the ups can be exhilarating, but the drops can be nerve-wracking. The key...[Read More]
The difference between bananas, stocks and bonds
10 April
In the world of investing, stocks and bonds often take centre stage. They represent two of the most common types of investments, each offering unique benefits and risks. As an investor, understanding stocks vs. bonds is key to building a diversified...[Read More]
Oliver’s insights – Another hawkish RBA hold at 4.35% – expect one more hike later this year
12 August
Key pointsThe 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 the...[Read More]
Oliver’s Insights – Poor Australian productivity – why all the fuss? And what to do about it?
30 July
Key pointsThe last decade has seen productivity stagnate in Australia. This has curtailed growth in living standards and real wages.Policies to boost productivity include: deregulation; more housing supply; a cap on public spending; and tax...[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]
Jobs and wage data in focus ahead of interest rate call
14 May
Upcoming wages and unemployment data may have significant bearing on the Reserve Bank’s closely watched interest rate decision.Domestic signals have taken somewhat of a back seat since US President Donald Trump’s tariff dump in early April.But...[Read More]
No surprises as RBA holds interest rates steady at 4.35%
11 August
The Reserve Bank has held interest rates steady for a second straight meeting despite inflation hovering well above its target. In a unanimous decision, the central bank’s nine-member monetary policy board left the cash rate untouched at 4.35 per...[Read More]
Seven things I would tell my younger self about superannuation and investing
6 August
At 60, retirement no longer feels like a distant event. It is close enough to imagine the lifestyle I want, the experiences I hope to enjoy and the financial decisions that will shape the years ahead. Looking back to when I first started work,...[Read More]
‘Softer than we thought’: RBA’s admission on inflation
5 August
Surprise inflation data, which came in lower than expected and below the central bank’s own forecasts, was due to softer fuel prices, according to the RBA’s chief economist. Figures released on Wednesday revealed headline inflation for June fell...[Read More]
Treasurer moves to fix ‘widow’s tax’ after backlash
5 August
The government is moving to fix its so-called “widow’s tax” following criticism its tax reforms denied Australians who inherited an investment property from their partner access to negative gearing concessions. The fix is part of a raft of the...[Read More]
EV sales, air travel drive rebound in consumer spending
5 August
Australian households show no sign of pulling back on spending despite the Middle East conflict exacerbating cost-of-living concerns. Strong growth in electric vehicle purchases and a bounce back in air travel drove a surprisingly strong 0.8 per...[Read More]
Understanding the taxation of shares: Why your accountant matters
30 July
Investing in shares can be an effective way to build long-term wealth, but it also brings tax obligations that every investor should understand. Whether you own a handful of shares or a diversified investment portfolio, keeping accurate records...[Read More]
Oliver’s insights – The economics of happiness – why it’s been falling & what to do about it?
29 July
Key points Despite rising GDP per person, measures of happiness have been flat to falling in western countries including Australia. Key drivers are likely to be rising expectations, the rise of social media and falling housing affordability. It...[Read More]
Surprise inflation drop eases chance of RBA rate hikes
29 July
Falling inflation levels have defied Reserve Bank predictions, alleviating fears another interest-rate hike is imminent. The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data showed headline annual inflation falling to 3.8 per cent in June, down from four...[Read More]