Market Wrap
Markets rallied on rate cuts… The rally from December has continued into July with most equity markets up for the month. Global shares were up 1.1% and 2.3% in hedged and unhedged terms, respectively. Domestically, Australian shares outperformed international markets this month with 2.9% performance in June. Australian health care stocks performed well with Resmed…
Read MoreSMSF regulatory update
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO), as self-managed super funds (SMSFs) regulator, has recently announced it will contact approximately 17,700 SMSF trustees in relation to their investment strategy. This is due to growing concerns that some SMSFs are invested in an overly concentrated manner, typically with real property. The ATO statement can be found here. The ATO…
Read MoreStarting Again Financially
For many women (or men), starting again after being left widowed or divorced can be difficult and overwhelming. Consider how good financial advice can make a real difference. Finding yourself alone after many years of living in a partnership can be difficult. Not only are you adjusting to emotional strains, but you may need to…
Read MoreSuccessful Investor Secrets
The investment world can change dramatically from one month to the next. But these secrets of successful investors never go out of style. Successful investing can be one of your biggest allies in the quest for long-term financial security. Unfortunately, unsuccessful investing can leave you wishing you’d kept your money in the bank. So what…
Read MoreMarket Wrap
Markets rallied on rate cuts… • The rally from December lows resumed in June with most equity markets up for the month. • Global shares were up 5.9% and 5.3% in hedged and unhedged terms, respectively. • Domestically, Australian shares lagged international markets this month with 3.7% performance in June. • Australian communication shares rallied…
Read MoreWhat the election outcome means for you?
The federal election is done and dusted, and the Coalition Government has been given another three years in power. How will this outcome affect Australians’ finances? What will change – and what won’t – when it comes to policies affecting people’s money? Can we expect any surprises? The Coalition Government staying in power will largely…
Read MorePrune, adapt and budget: Managing the rising cost of living
If you’re organised with your finances, the high cost of living doesn’t have to mean diminished savings. The increasing cost of goods and services – from food and housing to transport and utilities – is a reality most Australians have to face every day. Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows that living…
Read MoreFour ways to teach children healthy money habits
Set a good example for your children with just a few simple changes. As a parent, you try to ensure your children have the skills to make smart financial decisions. For example, you tell them about the importance of saving or the power of compounding interest. But did you know that you could be sending…
Read MoreMarket Wrap
Markets faltered… The rally from December lows faltered in May with most equity markets down for the month. Global shares were down 6% and 4.4% in hedged and unhedged terms, respectively. Domestically, Australian shares outperformed international this month with 1.7% performance in May. Australian communication shares rallied on the prospective takeover bid for Vocus by…
Read MoreSuperannuation: Too important to ignore
Superannuation is the one thing you could do for your financial future this year, that could make a big difference to your retirement income. But how much do you really need? That’s a big question. As we know, everyone’s needs are different, unexpected expenses just crop up and none of us know how long we…
Read More