This article looks at some longer term structural trends in the economy and their impact on economic growth and investments. A decline in routine based jobs Fear of technology replacing jobs has been around for years, although concern around this risk appears to have waned in recent times, as impacts of the pandemic on labour …
Risk assets performed strongly in January, following further indications that inflation may have peaked in key regions. Global economic growth forecasts were lowered by both the World Bank and the IMF, but investors appeared to brush off these concerns. Instead attention was focused on the central bank meetings, to see whether interest rates would continue …
Reverse mortgages are home mortgages that work in the opposite way to a normal home mortgage. Instead of interest and capital being repaid over a fixed term, there are no repayments. Rather interest is capitalised until repayment which takes place when either the home owners sell the property or the home becomes vacant because the …
Between March 2021-22, inflation in Australia rose by 5.1%. Meanwhile, wages only rose by 2.4%1. With the bare essentials becoming – well, expensive, it’s not surprising that many people are looking for new ways to save money or increase their income. The good news is there are steps you can take—and actions to avoid—that can …
When it comes to life stages, we’re all different. Some of us are all set up with a mortgage, a steady career and possibly even kids in our mid-20s, while others are footloose and fancy-free well into our 30s. Some of us are fortunate enough to have a bit of spare cash to put into …
Key points 2022 was dominated by high inflation, rising interest rates, war in Ukraine and recession fears. This hit bonds and shares hard, driving losses for balanced growth super funds. 2023 is likely to remain volatile and a retest of 2022 lows for shares is a high risk. But easing inflation, central banks getting off …
If you’re a first home buyer, you may be eligible to withdraw voluntary super contributions you’ve made (plus earnings) to put towards a home deposit. Through the First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS), first-home buyers may be able to use Australia’s superannuation system as a tax-effective way to save for part of their home deposit. …
Do you struggle to control your spending around your friends and family? If the urge to ‘keep up’ with a certain lifestyle is stretching your finances, it could be time to take action. From splitting the bill at an expensive restaurant, to having the ‘right’ house, car and clothes, many of us fall victim to …
If you’ve thought about how much money you need to save so you can retire comfortably, it might feel a little daunting. Maybe so much so, you’d rather not think about it at all. But, according to AMP Technical Strategy Manager John Perri, there are three simple rules anyone can follow that make saving for retirement …
While an exposure to hedge funds can provide a lift to a portfolio’s performance, they also offer the potential to generate high returns – at a risk. Hedge funds play a very important role in investment markets and come in many shapes and sizes. Because of this, it’s important for investors to understand what they …