Rates raised again as oil spike fuels inflation fears – cash rate up by 25 basis points to 4.1 per cent

17 March

The Reserve Bank of Australia has hiked interest rates for the second month in a row as war in the Middle East compounds inflation concerns. In a split five-four decision on Tuesday, the central bank’s monetary policy board lifted the cash rate by...[Read More]

Working Fly-In Fly-Out (FIFO) can be a golden opportunity: 10 tips for money and life

12 March

Working Fly-In Fly-Out (FIFO) can be a golden opportunity to fast-track your financial future and build a life with purpose—if managed wisely. Whether you’re doing it for a few years to get ahead or making a long-term career out of it, the...[Read More]

A glass half full approach to wellbeing

12 March

Wellbeing isn’t just about feeling happy all the time—it’s about developing resilience, security, and a positive outlook on life. A “glass half full” approach to wellbeing encourages focusing on progress rather than perfection, recognising...[Read More]

Oliver’s Insights – The impact of the US/Iran war on economies and markets – Q and A

12 March

Key pointsUncertainty around the duration of the US/Israel war with Iran has intensified with oil prices spiking to $US119/barrel only to then plunge as President Trump hinted that the war may be close to over. This is in turn driving big...[Read More]

Investment markets and key developments – Weekly market update – 06-03-2026

12 March

News surrounding the war between the US, Israel and Iran dominated global markets this week. Since the coordinated attacks from Israel and the United States on Iranian sites on 28 February, global shares have been largely down (unsurprisingly!),...[Read More]

Iran conflict raises spectre of triple RBA rate hike

12 March

Three of Australia’s four major banks predict the Reserve Bank will hike interest rates for the second month in a row as fears that war in the Middle East will worsen inflation fuelled a drastic turnaround in markets. Westpac, NAB and Commonwealth...[Read More]

Not migrants: research pinpoints housing crisis culprit

12 March

Restricting Australia’s migrant intake is not a silver bullet that will fix the nation’s housing crisis, an influential think tank has warned, challenging an argument often put forward by coalition MPs. Australia’s shortage of homes is not an...[Read More]

Why AI’s beginning doesn’t mean the end of your career

12 March

Natalie MacDonald was six weeks back from maternity leave when a group email landed at 1am saying she’d been made redundant. After seven years at global tech company LinkedIn, the 36-year-old Sydney mum’s role as a senior news editor was one of...[Read More]

‘Significant spikes’: servos to face huge gouging fines

12 March

Service stations deliberately price gouging customers due to the Middle East war will face harsher penalties, as the federal government acknowledges panic buying has led to shortages in regional areas. Treasurer Jim Chalmers said penalties would be...[Read More]

Energy rating report card urged for all Aussie homes

11 March

All Australian homes should receive a score out of 10 for energy efficiency before they can be sold or rented, experts say, as part of an expansion to a national assessment program. The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme, which is used to rate...[Read More]

No ill winds blowing for renewables spending in budget

11 March

The federal climate minister has hit back at speculation there will be budget cuts to clean energy policies, comparing it to stripping funds from health or education. Chris Bowen dismissed reports of cuts to new clean energy funding in the federal...[Read More]

Why an Australian city has been ranked world’s best

11 March

Famed for its cafe-lined laneways, diverse eateries and sprawling gardens, an Australian city has completed its climb through the rankings to place as the best in the world, according to a global survey. Melbourne has claimed the top spot in Time...[Read More]

Limiting screen time not enough to protect kids: study

11 March

Any measure limiting the use of digital platforms by children, including a social media ban, is worth considering to protect mental health, a study has found. The review of global evidence from more than 360,000 young people found higher use of...[Read More]

Oliver’s Insights – Gulf War 3 – the threat to economies and markets from the US/Iran war

5 March

Key PointsThe start of a war between the US and Israel and Iran poses the risk of a significant disruption to global economic growth given the likelihood of significant disruption to the supply of oil, particularly through the Strait of...[Read More]

Volatility is normal: Why long-term wealth depends on staying the course

5 March

Turn on the news during any period of global unrest and it can feel like the financial world is unravelling. Markets fall sharply. Headlines scream crisis. Investors begin to question everything. And yet, history tells a very different story. Share...[Read More]