Brian Parker, Head of the Portfolio Specialists Group at MLC, reviews events in markets during June. Among the topics he discusses are: why central banks’ actions remain critical for financial markets how monetary policy generally remains very loose, with very low interest rates creating a positive environment for share markets whether Australia’s exports and non-mining…
Today is the day to: stop, take stock and tackle your finances head on. Is it always tomorrow, next week, next month or next year that you’re going to get your finances in order? It’s important to get on track as soon as possible. Here are some important things to take into consideration. Prepare for…
Finances are not always straight forward. Depending upon your financial personality and your personal situation, your first whiff of your own cash most likely went one of two ways: you were either overcome with a sense of freedom and extravagance and blew it all in one hit OR you became Scrooge and stocked it all…
The National Commission of Audit report (released 1 May 2014) contains 86 recommendations aimed at saving the budget up to $70 billion annually. The key recommendations affecting financial planning strategies are outlined below. Note: these are proposals only and may not be in the Budget or passed into law. Superannuation Superannuation preservation age •• Preservation…
Budget Highlights Introducing a Temporary Budget Repair Levy on incomes over $180,000 for the three years from 2014‑15. Requiring young people to be earning, learning or participating in Work for the Dole Tightening the eligibility for Family Tax Benefit Part B (FTB-B). Low income single parents will be assisted with a new allowance of $750…
Key points are as follows… The situation in Ukraine could get worse before it gets better and so it remains a threat for investors to keep an eye on in the short term. Ultimately, it poses a greater threat to the Russian economy than to European and global growth. While uncertainty regarding Ukrainian tensions could…
Key points: The rising tide in favour of the $A has well and truly reversed with further downside likely in the years ahead, particularly against the $US and Euro. The commodity price boom has faded in response to a moderation in Chinese growth as commodity supply increases, the US is slowing its quantitative easing program…
Key points: Concerns about emerging countries on the back of various political problems and trade imbalances that leave them vulnerable as the Fed slows down its monetary stimulus appear to have triggered a correction in share markets. The relative weakness in emerging market shares and currencies is part of a broader turn in the long-term…
Oliver’s Insights: The risk of a correction or new bear market in shares Key points: Expect more volatility in shares this year as earnings take over as a key driver and the Fed moves to further taper its monetary stimulus. However, the cyclical bull market in shares is expected to continue as global monetary policy…
Highlights: US Federal Reserve commences the dialling down of QE3. Low Australian interest rates set to continue through 2014. Australian residential housing finishes 2013 on a strong note. Content DECEMBER MARKET PERFORMANCE The Pulse US Federal Reserve commences the dialling down of QE3. Low Australian interest rates set to continue through 2014. Australian residential…