Who are empty nesters? Empty nesters are a varied group. Many are living with partners, but quite a few live alone. Some own their homes outright, while others are still paying off their mortgage, or renting their home. And while a few are only years away from retirement, many still have a decade or two…
In the last decade, household debt has decelerated quite significantly — down from an average rate of 10% each year in the early 2000s to just 2% at the end of 2013.[1] As a nation, it seems we’ve become far more conscious about our spending and borrowing habits since the Global Financial Crisis. Cutting back…
In this video, Brian Parker, Head of Portfolio Specialists Group at MLC reviews events in markets during August. He discusses: how global share markets have continued to deliver decent returns, despite the uncertain geopolitical environment why the actions of central banks continue to be a key factor driving markets whether improvements in Australia’s non-mining economy…
Highlights Heightened geopolitical tensions in Ukraine and the Middle East continue to dominate global equit markets. Economic growth in the US remains string, with Q2 GDP revised upwards from 4.0% to 4.2%. European data remains weak, particularly impacted by the Ukraine crisis. A slowdown in Chinese economic growth in Q2 as a result of a…
With quantitative easing set to end next month, the Fed is on track to start raising interest rates next year, most likely in the June quarter. The anticipation and then reality of this could cause some volatility in shares. · However, once it gets underway Fed tightening is likely to be gradual and history tells…
The profit reporting season that just ended was reasonably good with profit growth expectations affirmed. · While June quarter GDP growth slowed, it reflects pay back for unbelievably strong March quarter growth. Forward looking indicators point to a gradual pick-up in demand driven by a rebalancing in the economy. · The combination of improving growth…
As at March 2014, there were 528,701 SMSFs in Australia, with a total of $558,553 million worth of assets.[1]There are many compelling reasons why SMSFs are so popular — and equally persuasive reasons as to why they don’t suit everyone. The pros If you’re a keen, experienced investor, with at least $200,000 to invest —…
The Pulse Ukrainian and Middle Eastern geopolitics, and an Argentinian default, dominate global equity markets Strong rebound in US economic growth with Q2 GDP at 4% Chinese economy continues to stabilise, with a further improvement in manufacturing data Modest improvement in Australian economic data suggests lower interest rates having a positive impact Global economies…
Susan Gosling, Head of Investments at MLC, examines how well diversified funds meet real, or purchasing power-related, investment objectives. Looking back at the past we can observe periods… Download will my portfolio give me an inflation plus return article
Susan Gosling, Head of Investments at MLC, discusses ‘Inflation, uncertainty and portfolio management: protecting the real value of investors’ portfolios’ Robust investment processes recognise that the future is uncertain. We can never be sure what the future will hold. Risk is not an abstract concept… Download Inflation uncertainty and portfolio management article