Investment markets and key developments – Weekly market update 12/04/24
17 April
Shares had another rough ride over the last week as higher than expected US inflation saw expectations for Fed rate cuts pushed out further, and reports of imminent strikes by Iran on Israel in retaliation for an attack in Syria pushed US shares...[Read More]
Build-to-rent piece of housing puzzle but no quick fix
17 April
It’s been a tough couple of years to be a renter. As competition for properties has intensified and rents have surged, policymakers have been searching for solutions. While not an answer to the immediate price crunch, the build-to-rent housing...[Read More]
Call for home battery cash to support solar milestones
17 April
NSW has broken the record for the most annual rooftop solar installations of any Australia state, but Queensland is the first to surpass the one million mark. One in three households and businesses are installing the technology, according to a Clean...[Read More]
Tesla and Hyundai reveal plans to replace taxi drivers
17 April
Self-driving cars do not get drunk, they do not fall asleep, they do not get distracted by text messages, and experts and manufacturers agree they could be the answer to slashing the road toll. It’s one of the reasons why autonomous vehicles are...[Read More]
X plans to charge new users to post, Musk says
17 April
X is planning to start charging all new users a “small fee” in order to interact with posts, the social media site’s owner Elon Musk says. Replying to an account which had posted about the possible changes, the Tesla and Space X boss said...[Read More]
Reasons why early estate planning is crucial
11 April
Estate planning is an essential yet often overlooked aspect of financial planning. For many Australians, it is seen as something to be dealt with later in life, if at all. However, estate planning should begin as early as possible to ensure a...[Read More]
Unlocking Productivity: Strategies for Overcoming Obstacles and Boosting Self-Motivation
11 April
In our fast-paced world, it’s not uncommon to find ourselves overwhelmed by tasks, deadlines, and personal commitments. This avalanche of responsibilities can often leave us feeling stuck, struggling to tick items off our to-do...[Read More]
Empowering women through financial literacy: Taking control of your wealth and future
11 April
Navigating the complexities of personal finance is essential for anyone looking to secure their financial future, make sound investment choices, manage debt effectively, and plan for eventualities. This is particularly crucial in the context of...[Read More]
Caravan lifestyle in Australia
11 April
A rising number of Australians are searching for alternative life experiences that provide them with a sense of independence from city life and a connection to nature. Caravan living can be for you if you’re looking for new experiences or wish...[Read More]
Higher taxes on foreigners pitched to free up homes
10 April
Foreign buyers could be slugged with higher taxes for buying existing NSW homes as the government looks for ways to address the housing crisis. NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said the state was grappling with a problem of overseas investors leaving...[Read More]
Building costs ease as demand for construction slows
10 April
Builders and tradies have been battling fast-rising prices for materials and labour but data suggests price growth is slowing. The slowdown in new construction, with dwelling approvals trending below average, has helped dampen growth in costs,...[Read More]
Investment markets and key developments – Weekly market update 05/04/24
10 April
Global sharemarkets were under pressure, with a lot of volatility this week. Good news on economic data was somewhat bad news for markets early in the week. Signs of a stronger US economy questioned market pricing of ~3 Fed rate cuts by end-2024...[Read More]
Oliver’s insights – Seven things you need to know about the Australian property market
10 April
Key points – The Australian housing market remains far more complicated than optimists and doomsters portray it to be. – Australian housing is expensive and highly indebted; but it’s very diverse; mortgage arrears remain low; interest rates...[Read More]
Tradie shortage for bid to build 1.2m homes
10 April
Australia is forecast to fall well short of a landmark national goal to build 1.2 million homes in five years. Building and construction industry forecasts released on Tuesday estimated about 1.09 million new homes would be started in five years...[Read More]
Volkswagen to test car tech to make kangaroos go jump
10 April
A device designed to prevent kangaroos from jumping in front of vehicles will be tested with moving cars after after receiving approval from a university. The RooBadge device, developed by Volkswagen Australia and the DDB Group in consultation with...[Read More]