ASIC's 'Shadow Shopper' survey is in...
In this article, Vanguard's Robin Bowerman discusses the recent shadow shopper survey results and what it all means. Rick Maggi Shopping for advice
22/02/12: Europe seals Greek bailout
Default averted, but risks remain
Please read on for information about the new deal. Rick Maggi Wall Street Journal
17/02/12: Greece & Europe: What are the risks?
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
07/02/12: Rates left on hold
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
30/11/11: Mini-Budget 2011
Superannuation and tax announcements
Read below for a summary of the Federal Government's mini-budget announcements. Rick Maggi Mini Budget 2011-12
06/10/11: Steve Jobs - How to live before you die
Steve Jobs
With the passing of Apple CEO and co-founder Steve Jobs today, his 1995 Stanford University speech seems timely and poignant.
"...brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world, and talented enough to do it." Barack Obama
29/09/11: What the world needs now...
Have global policy makers run out of bullets?
The chronic failure of Europe to bring its debt problems under control, an ongoing flow of poor global economic data combined with alarmist comments from global officials has seen global share markets retest lows. AMP Capital's Dr Shane Oliver shares his views. Read Oliver's Insights
11/09/11: 10 years later
Remembering 9/11
28/10/11: The European Plan
Europe gets a financial plan
This New York Times article is a good summary of the EU deal announced in the last 24 hours. Read here
09/08/11: US credit downgrade - implications
US downgrade no surprise...
Saturday's downgrade of the US credit rating from AAA to AA+ by Standard & Poors wasn't a surprise, but the emotional impact has had its consequences. AMP's Dr Shane Oliver provides a balanced perspective… Download Article
02/08/11: August 2011 Snapshot
More on the Carbon Tax...
This August snapshot comes to grips with with the key components in the federal government's recent policy announcement on carbon tax and emissions. August 2011 Snapshot
24/06/11: June 30 Alert
4 Quick Tips
It's the end of the financial year. Here are 4 tips to reduce your tax… Click here
24/05/11: Be careful out there...
Tax traps!
As another financial year draws to a close, a word of caution... Click here
11/05/11: 2011 Federal Budget Summary
2011 Federal Budget
The Federal Budget has delivered little in the way of surprises with many of the measures well publicised before budget night. The following is a two-part summary of the budget proposals - Part 1 is a basic overview and Part 2 focuses on super, taxation and social security. 2011 Federal Budget - Part 12011 Federal Budget - Part 2