Investment markets and key developments – Weekly market update 18/10/2026
21 October
Global shares fell this week as investors pulled back from AI-related risk, with technology stocks leading the decline while defensive sectors, bonds, and gold gained support. The S&P 500 fell 1.9% over the week while the tech-heavy NASDAQ dropped...[Read More]
‘No easy paths’: why calls grow for a GST hike
21 October
The GST should be raised and expanded to include more products in an attempt to pay down Australia’s ballooning national debt, a respected think tank has urged.The Grattan Institute has called for the federal government to lift the GST rate from...[Read More]
Australia should ‘roll out red carpet’ for data centres
21 October
Australia should be “rolling out the red carpet” to tech giants looking to build data centres in the country and removing “green tape” to ensure their multibillion dollar investments do not go elsewhere.Climate Change Authority chair Matt...[Read More]
Regional home prices holding up as city slickers suffer
21 October
As Australian property prices slump nationwide, regional home owners can take solace that their assets have out-performed those in the big smoke over the past year.In the year to September, regional dwelling values gained 5.6 per cent, while those...[Read More]
‘Big fakes’: watchdog warns of rampant AI scam threat
21 October
Australians are being hit with increasingly sophisticated, artificial intelligence-fuelled scams as the online watchdog warns against repeating past mistakes by failing to rein in the technology.The rise of AI was presenting major risks in the...[Read More]
Building costs climb as Middle East conflict drags on
21 October
The cost of building a new home has re-accelerated as the Middle East oil crisis continues to impact the industry.Construction costs increased 3.2 per cent in the 12 months ended September, up from 2.8 per cent in 2025/26, Cotality’s latest...[Read More]
Businesses set to fork out in upcoming trust tax change
21 October
Small businesses will have to pay thousands of dollars in order to comply with upcoming tax changes, the assistant treasurer has conceded.Laws were introduced to parliament on Wednesday introducing a 30 per cent minimum tax on trusts, after it was...[Read More]
Tax scams are getting smarter: 5 warning signs and 5 ways to protect yourself
15 October
Tax scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and even financially savvy Australians can be caught off guard. Knowing what to look for, taking a few simple precautions and maintaining a close relationship with your accountant could make...[Read More]
The first 12 months of retirement: Why the adjustment can be Bigger Than Expected
15 October
Retirement is often treated as a finish line.You work for decades, build your superannuation, make plans, count down the final months and eventually reach that long-awaited last day of work.Then suddenly, the structure that has shaped much of your...[Read More]
Salary sacrifice can play an important role to your superannuation
15 October
When it comes to preparing for retirement, many people focus on how much they’re contributing to their superannuation or pension. What often gets overlooked is how those contributions are made — and this is where salary sacrifice can play an...[Read More]
5 simple steps to boost your property value
15 October
Your home is not just your sanctuary; it’s also a tangible asset. Like any investment, the end goal for many homeowners is to see it appreciate over time. While most people think about major renovations when it comes to increasing property value,...[Read More]
How to help your child purchase their first home
15 October
In today’s economic climate, it’s increasingly common to help your child with their first home.In this article, we’re going to look at three options to help you do this.Why not take a look at the pros and cons of each and choose the one...[Read More]
Investment markets and key developments – Weekly market update 11/10/2026
14 October
US shares reached a fresh record high earlier this week before easing on renewed concerns about escalating Iranian strikes and reports that OpenAI’s annual revenue was $20bn below the previously reported $70bn. By the end of the week, the S&P...[Read More]
Trust tax set for inquiry as businesses question costs
14 October
Businesses will get a chance to air their grievances over Labor’s proposed tax on discretionary trusts, which they warn could set them back billions of dollars in restructuring costs.In a bid to placate the business community by offering a...[Read More]
Housing supply must be fixed ‘hard way’, not with caps
14 October
Homes are likely to keep getting cheaper for about a year, but the downturn in house prices has not been replicated in rentals.Property prices are tipped to fall between eight and 11 per cent from their March peak and will only start to recover by...[Read More]