Oliver’s insights – 2025-26 saw lots of noise but strong returns (again) – can it continue?
9 July
Key pointsWhile we saw a long list of worries over the last year, 2025-26 saw another financial year of strong returns.
Risks around Iran and oil, various other geopolitical issues, sticky inflation and possible further rate hikes and AI related...[Read More]
Investment markets and key developments – Weekly market update 03/07/2026
9 July
Global shares mostly saw strong gains over the last week as the oil price remained down, inflation fears subsided and slower US payrolls removed some pressure for a US rate hike. For the week US shares rose 1.8%, Eurozone shares rose 2.7% to a...[Read More]
Oliver’s insights – Was life really better in the good old days?
9 July
Key pointsAngst about economic conditions has been running high in recent times. This is evident in chronically low consumer confidence readings and a downtrend in measures of happiness. It’s also arguably evident in the rise of populist...[Read More]
Inflation-fuelling supply shocks under RBA microscope
9 July
Expect to hear more from the Reserve Bank as it grapples with how to navigate a world punctuated by more frequent supply shocks due to heightened geopolitical tensions and climate change.
With shocks like the Middle East oil crisis and Donald...[Read More]
Family affair: investor tax changes spawn new tactics
9 July
A 1950s red brick walk-up in southwest Brisbane is a window into how the federal budget is reshaping the property market.
Marketed as “the ultimate set-up for multi-generational living”, the three-unit apartment block in Oxley has bucked the...[Read More]
Longest stretch of weak growth since 1990s forecast
9 July
Australia’s economy is set to grow below two per cent for the longest period since the early 1990s, exposing a malaise long masked by population growth, a report has warned.
Rarely has the economics advisory group adopted such a downbeat...[Read More]
Why people avoid financial advice—and three reasons they shouldn’t
2 July
Most people want to feel financially secure. They want to manage their household expenses, build savings, make the most of their superannuation and eventually enjoy a lifestyle of choice. Yet many Australians delay speaking with a Financial Adviser,...[Read More]
The first money conversations every couple should have
2 July
Getting married or moving in together is an exciting step. It is about love, commitment, shared plans and building a life together. But it is also a time when two financial worlds often come together. Different spending habits, savings goals, debts,...[Read More]
The past week saw global shares fall with tech shares under renewed pressure on concerns about an AI bubble and valuations. Reports that a ship had been struck by a missile while moving through the Strait of Hormuz didn’t help and along with...[Read More]
Weak housing market could imperil Australia’s economy
2 July
The Reserve Bank is worried Australia’s economy could be weakened by a housing market slowdown accelerated by the federal budget, a readout of its last interest rates meeting shows.
The central bank’s monetary policy board voted unanimously to...[Read More]
Tax cuts, pay rises and text message changes on the way
2 July
WHAT IS CHANGING ON JULY 1?
* About 2.7 million workers on award wages will get a 4.75 per cent pay bump, while workers on the minimum wage will get a six per cent pay rise, following a Fair Work Commission decision
* Workers will also receive super...[Read More]
Freefall: home prices notch biggest drop in years
2 July
Home prices have recorded the biggest monthly fall in almost four years as tax changes accelerate Australia’s housing downturn.
Sydney’s median home price fell 1.2 per cent to $1,265,608 in June, leading a nationwide decline of 0.4 per cent,...[Read More]
Strong jobs figures clock on for future rate rise shift
2 July
Stronger-than-expected jobs and spending data has bolstered the case for more rate hikes, but events overseas could stay the Reserve Bank’s hand.
An extra 40,300 jobs were added to the economy in May, driving down the unemployment rate to 4.4 per...[Read More]
Treasurer responds after budget attack by ex-RBA head
1 July
The treasurer has hit back at attacks to budget tax changes from a former Reserve Bank governor after the contentious laws passed parliament.
Ex-RBA governor Philip Lowe said changes limiting negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount would...[Read More]
Pledge to fix ‘widow’s tax’ on investment properties
1 July
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has promised to fix laws imposing a so-called “widow’s tax” on investment properties, without providing details on how he will close the loophole.
The issue, which relates to investors with jointly owned properties...[Read More]
