A seasonal home maintenance checklist to ensure your property is in the best condition all year long

29 February

A lot of property owners take a very casual approach to the upkeep and repair of their house or building. They usually wait for something to break, clog, overflow, leak, jam or fail catastrophically before addressing the problem. Others are...[Read More]

Investment markets and key developments – Weekly market update 23/02/24

29 February

Global shares surged in the past week to new record highs in the US, Europe and Japan, helped in particular by enthusiasm for Artificial Intelligence after a very strong earnings result from AI chip maker Nvidia which served to offset ongoing...[Read More]

Oliver’s insights – Seven key charts for investors to watch – where are they now?

29 February

Key points – Shares have made it to record highs this year but after strong gains are a bit vulnerable to a near term pull back. – However, we remain upbeat on a 12-month view as falling inflation allows rate cuts and hopefully recession is...[Read More]

Monthly Economic Wrap

28 February

During February: According to the International Monetary Fund, the risks to global growth are broadly balanced and a soft landing is a possibility. Global growth is projected at 3.1% in 2024 and 3.2% in 2025, with the 2024 forecast 0.2%...[Read More]

Why you need to do something you love every single day

22 February

Engaging in activities that you love is not only enjoyable but also offers a multitude of benefits that can enrich your life in various ways. So, if you’re on the fence about indulging one or some of your life’s passions, here are some...[Read More]

Investment markets and key developments – Weekly market update 16/02/24

22 February

Global shares were buffeted over the last week with hotter than expected US inflation data but better than expected profits results. While US shares hit a new record high, they fell 0.4% for the week. Eurozone shares reached new highs and rose...[Read More]

Oliver’s insights – investment outlook Q&A

15 February

Recession risks, rates and inflation, valuations, geopolitics, the US election and Swiftonomics   Key points – Rate hikes have worked in helping slow inflation and rate cuts are likely this year. Expect a bumpy ride though. – The risk of...[Read More]

Investment markets and key developments – Weekly market update 09/02/24

15 February

Global share markets rose over the last week. For the week the US S&P 500 rose 1.4% taking it above 5000 for the first time supported by ongoing confidence in a “goldilocks” landing for the US economy and strong earnings results. Eurozone...[Read More]

Oliver’s insights – 05/02/24

8 February

Key points – The Australian Government’s changes to the Stage 3 tax cuts have refocussed attention on the need for tax reform. – The Australian tax system has five key problems: it’s heavily reliant on income tax; it’s complicated by...[Read More]

Investment markets and key developments – Weekly market update 02/02/24

8 February

Share markets were supported over the last week by good economic data, solid US earnings results and ongoing signs that central banks are moving towards rate cuts albeit they are pushing back against imminent moves. For the week US shares rose...[Read More]

Retirement planning tips and mistakes to sidestep

1 February

Whether you’re in your 30s, 40s, or 50s, the importance of retirement planning cannot be overstated. Starting early allows you to build a secure financial foundation for your retirement years. However, the strategies and concerns differ based on...[Read More]

Investment markets and key developments – Weekly market update 25/1/24

1 February

US sharemarkets continued to track to a new record high throughout the week, with the S&P500 up by 1.1%. The US 10-year bond yield rose to 4.13% but is still well below its 2023 highs. Australian shares were up by 2.8%, with all sectors higher over...[Read More]

Saving for rainy days even on a tight budget

18 January

When you have a tight budget, it may seem impossible to save money. And with rising inflation, it’s not difficult to understand why the personal savings rate in Australia decreased last year. However, conserving money while you’re short on cash...[Read More]

Oliver’s insights Falling inflation – what does it mean for investors?

18 January

Key points –  Inflation is in retreat thanks to improved supply and cooling demand. A further fall is likely this year. –  Australian inflation remains relatively high – but this mainly reflects lags rather than a more inflation prone...[Read More]

Investment markets and key developments – Weekly market update 12/01/24

18 January

Share markets mostly rose over the last week helped by mostly good news on inflation and despite escalating Middle East turmoil. For the week US shares rose 1.8%, Eurozone shares gained 0.3% and Japanese shares rose 6.6% having broken out of...[Read More]