Highlights: Global Central Banks continue to lower interest rates The RBA cuts the cash rate by 25bp to 2.25% (February 2015) The ECB finally announces Quantitative Easing – €60b per month Oil prices declined again in January – represents a 47% decline in 4 months Global bond yields trend lower US economic data continues to…
Highlights: Oil prices decline sharply through November. Global equity markets continued to rally strongly, although Australia did not participate. US economic data continues to show a sustainable recovery. Weak economic data across the Eurozone continues to support further ECB monetary intervention. China moves from targeted stimulus to a broad cut in interest rates to meet…
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…
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…
Portfolio Specialist Kajanga Kulatunga explains why in the next few years bond yields aren’t likely to bounce back to the levels we saw in the decades before the GFC. He discusses: why investors have come to expect healthy bond yields what factors drove good bond yields for the 20 years leading up to the GFC…
Highlight: Continued improvement in US economic growth following a revised down Q1 GDP of -2.9%. European economic data impacted by the Iraq civil war crisis. Chinese economy stabilising, with manufacturing data at a six month high. Australian economic data suggests interest rates will be on hold well into 2015. Content JUNE MARKET PERFORMANCE The Pulse…
MAY MARKET PERFORMANCE Global economies Last month global economic data returned mixed results, with the US continuing to show considerable improvement, while the Eurozone struggled and China remained sluggish. Global bond yields climbed during May – a reflection of the growing expectation that global growth will improve. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)…
In one of the more highly anticipated Federal Budgets, the Government announced major changes that could warrant a review of your financial plans. Note: The changes announced are proposals only and may or may not be made law. Summary A Temporary Budget Repair Levy of 2% will be payable on taxable incomes over $180,000 pa…
There’s something to be said for expert advice in an area that affects the lives of every single one of us – our finances. It’s natural to want to stay in control of your finances, but keeping up to date via the Financial Review simply doesn’t cut it when it comes to getting ahead and…
The end of financial year is almost here. With a little planning, you can increase your chances of a healthy tax return and start the new financial year in top financial shape. Here are three tips to get you started. 1. Focus on deductions Whether you’re an employee or a business owner, chances are you’re…