Dow breaks through 13,000, just.

Posted on February 22, 2012 by RickM
US stocks close to pre-crisis levels

Watch video here (2:11 min).   Rick Maggi

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Europe seals Greek bailout

Posted on February 21, 2012 by RickM
Default averted, but risks remain

Please read on for information about the new deal.  Rick Maggi

Wall Street Journal

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Ride to Conquer Cancer

Posted on February 20, 2012 by RickM
Support ‘Team Sundo’

I’m personally riding in the 200km ‘Ride to Conquer Cancer’ later this year, with all of the proceeds going to the WA Institute for Medical Research. Your support for such a worthwhile cause would be greatly appreciated.  Rick Maggi

More information here

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Greece & Europe: What are the risks?

Posted on February 17, 2012 by RickM
What’s the risk of a disorderly default and euro break-up?

Utterly exasperated, many would now like to see Greece immediately comply or leave the Eurozone. This article looks at the risks and potential impact.
Rick Maggi

Read here

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Warren Buffett: Why stocks beat gold and bonds

Posted on February 13, 2012 by RickM
Warren Buffet

At a time when many investors have become jaded and cynical about shares, often tempted to run to the relative ‘safety’ of cash or bonds, Warren Buffett’s shareholder letter explains why it may pay too be a little more patient. Enjoy. Rick Maggi

Read article here

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The global economy looking less scary

Posted on February 8, 2012 by RickM
Dr Shane Oliver, AMP Chief Economist

Dr Shane Oliver, discusses the continued world economic recovery. This is an easy to understand video and should be particularly reassuring to our superannuation and pension clients.  Rick Maggi

Watch video here

Posted in Educational, Investing, Market/Economic Update, Retirement, Shares, Superannuation, Wealth Accumulation | Leave a comment

Rates left on hold

Posted on February 7, 2012 by RickM
The Reserve Bank has shocked the markets and homeowners by deciding to keep rates on hold at 4.25 per cent.

Despite overwhelming pressure for a rate cut the RBA has adopted a more conservative “wait and see” approach after two consecutive rate cuts last year.

The Australian dollar shot above $US1.08 immediately after the RBA announcement and the stock market shed 35 points as investors digested the surprise move. The RBA board judged the setting was “appropriate” as growth was close to trend, lending rates were close to their medium term average and inflation close to its target level.

Clearly, the RBA has left the door wide open for future rate cuts, depending on whether global and local economic conditions deteriorate much further.    Rick Maggi

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Dashboard: 3 February 2012

Posted on February 3, 2012 by RickM
Market statistics at your fingertips

The local share market rose by 5.2% during the month of January while the US Dow Jones index rose by 3.4% – a solid start to 2012.   Rick Maggi

Dashboard

 

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February 2012 Snapshot

Posted on February 3, 2012 by RickM
2011: Australia shaken but not stirred

The financial crisis of 2008 may be well behind us, but a combination of natural disasters in our region and unresolved debt issues in ‘majors’ like the US and Europe meant economic activity in 2011 remained patchy and uncertain. This February snapshot looks at how the share market and economy performed in 2011, and examines some of the issues which may influence share prices, interest rates and the local economy during 2012 as the US continues its slow recovery and Europe tries to solves its debt issues.     Rick Maggi

February Snapshot (Flash Version)        February Snapshot (PDF Version)

Posted in Bonds, Educational, Investing, Market/Economic Update, Monthly Newsletter/Snapshot, Newsletter, Property, Retirement, Shares, Stats, Superannuation, Wealth Accumulation | Leave a comment

Dow and S&P500 have best January since 1997

Posted on February 3, 2012 by RickM
Some good news…

It’s the best start in 15 years. In what was mostly a slow and steady climb, the Dow Jones Industrial average rose 3.4 per cent in January and Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 4.4 per cent, the best performances for both indexes to open a year since 1997.   Rick Maggi

Read more here

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