This note looks as the outlook for listed property securities (or real estate investment trusts – REITs). The key points are as follows: – Given the damage done to investor confidence by their big slump over the last 18 months, listed property securities are unlikely to soon return to their once exalted status. – However,…
Each year a number of superannuation thresholds are changed to reflect movements in full-time Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE). A previous Super Update advised updated thresholds that are based on movements in December quarter AWOTE. However, the 2009 Federal Budget announced changes to superannuation contribution caps. This Super Update updates these superannuation contribution caps…
We are fast approaching the end of another financial year and whilst supplying a Tax Fine Number (TFN) is not mandatory, changes introduced with effect from 1 July 2007 mean that there are implications for employers who have not provided us with their employees’ TFNs. What are an employer’s obligations? When an employee completes a…
Given the complexity of investment markets and investing along with the massive amount of information available to investors many people rely on logic based on ‘common sense’ or simple ‘rules of thumb’ in making investment decisions. However, while some such rules of thumb are reasonable, in many cases they are not and can result in…
This note looks at the resurgence in the Australian dollar, which has now recovered almost half of its global financial crisis driven slump. The key points are as follows: – The rebound in the $A reflect a combination of renewed $US weakness, stronger commodity prices and the relative strength of the Australian economy. – Notwithstanding…
The ATO have recently issued a final ruling (SGR 2008/2) that updates their interpretation of both ordinary time earnings (OTE) and salary and wages for Superannuation Guarantee (SG) purposes. This ruling comes into effect for payments made to employees in the quarter beginning on 1 July 2009 and all later quarters. It replaces previous rulings…
