Finance
Oliver’s Insights – The RBA cuts for the third time – expect a further gradual easing to 2.85%
13 August
Key pointsThe RBA cut its cash rate by 0.25% taking it to 3.6%. This is the third rate cut in this easing cycle.The RBA sees inflation running around target but has revised its growth forecasts down again. Its forecasts assume that the cash rate...[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]
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]
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]
Tax planning for business owners: Five questions to ask your accountant
6 August
Tax planning is not simply about finding deductions at the end of the financial year. Effective planning helps business owners understand their position, prepare for upcoming obligations and make informed decisions about cash flow, investment and...[Read More]
3 tips to secure your family finances
6 August
If there’s anything people learned from the recessions and global crises of recent past, it’s that no one is immune to economic upheavals. Even middle to upper-class families are at the mercy of their finances when misfortune strikes. This...[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]
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]
Labor backs super boost for youngest Aussie workers
29 July
Labor has backed superannuation payments for Australia’s youngest workers, regardless of the number of hours they work. The party says it will “ensure that all workers, including those under 18 and regardless of how they are engaged, can...[Read More]
Shoddy bank record-keeping hits savers as scammers lurk
29 July
Systemic shoddy record-keeping at big banks is risking the savings of Australians trying to benefit from a safe investment strategy. The financial regulator issued the warning around mortgage offset accounts, which are marketed to borrowers as a way...[Read More]
Quarter 3 tax tips for small business
23 July
The third quarter of the calendar year—July to September—is an important period for Australian small businesses. The rush of 30 June may be over, but the new financial year brings fresh reporting obligations, payroll changes and an opportunity...[Read More]
Top 5 tips to help you take control of your finances
23 July
Saving money isn’t just about cutting out coffee or chasing every bargain. It’s about creating a plan that works for your lifestyle and future goals. Whether you’re starting from scratch or building a nest egg for something big — a...[Read More]
Oliver’s insights – Nine key charts for investors to keep an eye on amidst oil and AI worries
22 July
Key points: The first half of this year saw good share market returns despite the oil supply shock on the back of the US/Iran War. We remain upbeat on a 12-month view but see a high risk of another correction in the short term. Nine key charts...[Read More]
Young investors bet the house on dialling up their risk
22 July
Lofty stock valuations and the biggest investment tax shake-up in decades don’t appear to be impacting the risk appetite of young Australians, according to investing platforms. This cohort is increasingly turning to investing to save for their...[Read More]