01/03/11: Autumn Newsletter

The US is still the biggest kid on the block

We put the spotlight on the United States, still the world's largest and most important economy. Our article examines the early signs of economic recovery there, and underlines how important further US growth is for Australian investors and investments. With insurance a key topic of discussion after a succession of natural disasters over summer, we have put together a checklist to guide you through a review of the cover you already have and the cover you may not have. Finally, we take a look at the art and skill of listening to other people. We reflect on some common barriers to effective listening, and share with you some tips and strategies we can all use to increase our own listening skills, and derive more benefit and enjoyment from all our conversations. Download PDF

01/02/11: February 2011 Snapshot

…after the storm

We look at how the Australian share market and economy actually fared during 2010, and then examine some of the key trends which may influence share prices, interest rates and the economy during 2011 as the country begins to rebuild from widespread flood damage. Many were surprised the Australian share market had a quiet 2010, finishing the year just below where it started, especially when considering the local economy came through the crisis of 2008-09 better than most. But a sound economy does not guarantee a lift in share prices. Despite the powerhouse Chinese economy, there was a 14.31 per cent fall on the Shanghai Composite index during 2010. In stark contrast, the US and the UK economies may still be struggling but their share markets jumped 11.02 per cent and 9 per cent respectively. Download the PDF  Rick Maggi.

02/01/11: 2011: The Year Ahead

Economic Outlook

In this article, AMP's Shane Oliver, BT's Chris Caton, MLC's Brian Parker, Praemium's Don Stammer and HSBC's Paul Bloxham all share their outlook for 2011. View 2011: The Year Ahead

01/01/11: January 2011 Snapshot

Can you bank on it?

We examine the potential impact of further interest rate rises and the issue of bank competition and ‘switching’. If the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) meets the expectations of some economists and raises the cash rate two or three times during 2011, what will your bank do? Will they lift rates in line with the RBA increase or will they break away and lift rates independently of the official cash rate? Since the mid 1990s it has become common practice for banks to move their indicator rates within hours of a change to the official cash rate. Yet in recent months their increases have gone beyond the official rate hikes, triggering strong public and political criticism. Head of the National Australia Bank, Cameron Clyne, says any link between the two events is a perception the banking sector has created for itself by consistently adjusting rates in line with RBA changes. "If the banks continue to move in line with the RBA, up or down, then we are continuing to compound the view that in fact our funding is related to those moves in the cash rate." says Clyne. Download the PDF

01/12/10: Summer Newsletter

Going dollar for dollar...

We take a closer look at the pluses and minuses of currency fluctuations, what the future might hold, and how both businesses and investors manage currency risk. We also explore the income options available to the over 55s, with a focus on how transition to retirement pensions contribute to your financial future. And to set you up for the New Year, we look at the vexed issue of time - how to use it productively rather than lose it. We hope you find some nuggets among these articles, and we welcome your response or questions on any of these issues. Download the PDF