Finance
Investment markets and key developments – Weekly market update – 31/07/26
6 August
Share markets were mixed over the last week helped by some pull back in oil prices as the US held back from escalting further with Iran, a rebound in tech stocks and specifically chipmakers from oversold levels and the US Fed leaving rates on...[Read More]
Seven things I would tell my younger self about superannuation and investing
6 August
At 60, retirement no longer feels like a distant event. It is close enough to imagine the lifestyle I want, the experiences I hope to enjoy and the financial decisions that will shape the years ahead. Looking back to when I first started work,...[Read More]
Tax planning for business owners: Five questions to ask your accountant
6 August
Tax planning is not simply about finding deductions at the end of the financial year. Effective planning helps business owners understand their position, prepare for upcoming obligations and make informed decisions about cash flow, investment and...[Read More]
3 tips to secure your family finances
6 August
If there’s anything people learned from the recessions and global crises of recent past, it’s that no one is immune to economic upheavals. Even middle to upper-class families are at the mercy of their finances when misfortune strikes. This...[Read More]
‘Softer than we thought’: RBA’s admission on inflation
6 August
Surprise inflation data, which came in lower than expected and below the central bank’s own forecasts, was due to softer fuel prices, according to the RBA’s chief economist. Figures released on Wednesday revealed headline inflation for June fell...[Read More]
Treasurer moves to fix ‘widow’s tax’ after backlash
6 August
The government is moving to fix its so-called “widow’s tax” following criticism its tax reforms denied Australians who inherited an investment property from their partner access to negative gearing concessions. The fix is part of a raft of the...[Read More]
EV sales, air travel drive rebound in consumer spending
6 August
Australian households show no sign of pulling back on spending despite the Middle East conflict exacerbating cost-of-living concerns. Strong growth in electric vehicle purchases and a bounce back in air travel drove a surprisingly strong 0.8 per...[Read More]
Oliver’s insights – The economics of happiness – why it’s been falling & what to do about it?
30 July
Key points Despite rising GDP per person, measures of happiness have been flat to falling in western countries including Australia. Key drivers are likely to be rising expectations, the rise of social media and falling housing affordability. It...[Read More]
Understanding the taxation of shares: Why your accountant matters
30 July
Investing in shares can be an effective way to build long-term wealth, but it also brings tax obligations that every investor should understand. Whether you own a handful of shares or a diversified investment portfolio, keeping accurate records...[Read More]
Surprise inflation drop eases chance of RBA rate hikes
30 July
Falling inflation levels have defied Reserve Bank predictions, alleviating fears another interest-rate hike is imminent. The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data showed headline annual inflation falling to 3.8 per cent in June, down from four...[Read More]
Shoddy bank record-keeping hits savers as scammers lurk
30 July
Systemic shoddy record-keeping at big banks is risking the savings of Australians trying to benefit from a safe investment strategy. The financial regulator issued the warning around mortgage offset accounts, which are marketed to borrowers as a way...[Read More]
Oliver’s insights – Nine key charts for investors to keep an eye on amidst oil and AI worries
23 July
Key points: The first half of this year saw good share market returns despite the oil supply shock on the back of the US/Iran War. We remain upbeat on a 12-month view but see a high risk of another correction in the short term. Nine key charts...[Read More]
Oliver’s insights – Why have Australian living standards “fallen” and how do we fix it?
16 July
Key points Falling real wages and a surge in tax and interest payments over the last five years have led to a slump in Australians’ living standards. But a broader driver of the malaise in living standards has been a slump in productivity...[Read More]
Oliver’s insights – 2025-26 saw lots of noise but strong returns (again) – can it continue?
9 July
Key points While we saw a long list of worries over the last year, 2025-26 saw another financial year of strong returns. Risks around Iran and oil, various other geopolitical issues, sticky inflation and possible further rate hikes and AI related...[Read More]
Oliver’s insights – Was life really better in the good old days?
9 July
Key points Angst about economic conditions has been running high in recent times. This is evident in chronically low consumer confidence readings and a downtrend in measures of happiness. It’s also arguably evident in the rise of populist...[Read More]