CommSec Gold Commentary...
The following is a 3 minute video commentary from CommSec about the prospects for gold during 2013 and 2014. Enjoy. Rick Maggi. Gold prediction video
16/02/13: Market Dashboard: 15 Feb 2013
Facts and figures at your fingertips...
A quick snapshot of share markets, superannuation funds, commodities, rates and more. Enjoy! Rick Maggi. Dashboard
06/02/13: Shares, property, bonds or cash?
Which way to go?
In this easy to understand article, AMP Capital's Dr Shane Oliver discusses the four investments options and their possible performance over the next few years. The second article takes a look at the current share market 'boom' and it's potential to be longer lasting than past recoveries. Rick Maggi
Shares, Property, Bonds or Cash? Shares: How Long Can It Last?
18/12/12: Outlook for 2013.
Olivers Insights
An excellent overview of 2012 and a refreshingly bold attempt to map out the next twelve months, by AMP Capital's Dr Shane Oliver. Take a close look at the table of investment returns and forecasts. Enjoy! Rick Maggi
20/11/12: November Market & Economic Update
November 2012 Economic Update (Easy Reading)
AMP Capital's Dr Shane Oliver presents a brief market and economic snapshot. Enjoy. Rick Maggi. Market & Economic Update
06/11/12: Rates on hold in November
Interest rates left on hold for now
The Reserve Bank has elected to leave official interest rates on hold at 3.25 per cent, defying economists bets on a Cup Day cut. A survey of 27 economists by financial news service Bloomberg had 20 tipping a rate cut. However, the RBA has elected to break a six-year streak of moving interest rates on the first Tuesday in November.
The decision keeps the cash rate just above a low of 3 per cent that it dropped to in 2009 during the peak of the economic fallout from the Global Financial Crisis. The general view is that the RBA, always vigilant to fight off inflationary pressures, is taking a wait and see approach as the US economy slowly recovers and China's economy begins to stabilise.
Australia now has the highest interest rates of anywhere in the developed world. While lower interest rates would be a welcome development for borrowers, retirees will benefit from today's decision. But it's also important to note that very low rates is a sign that conditions have deteriorated - never a good thing So i think today, along with the Melbourne Cup, is a good day to celebrate.
31/10/12: Is the mining boom over?
CommSec Video (3.36min)
In this addition, CommSec comments on the mining sector and whether the mining boom is actually over. Enjoy! Rick Maggi. Watch video here
20/10/12: Viewpoint: Jim O'Neill
Jim O'Neill, Chairman of Goldman Sachs...
Below is a brief global economic update (China, US, UK & Eurozone) from the Chairman of Goldman Sachs, Jim O'Neill… Viewpoint with Jim O'Neill
16/10/12: Managing super in challenging times
Your questions answered...
The last few years since the GFC have been difficult for investors - each time share markets take a step forward, changes in the global economy pull them back. Paul Clitheroe joins AMP Capital's Dr Shane Oliver to provide their views on where share markets are placed and how to navigate the period ahead. Also included is a link on the Eurozone (easy reading). Enjoy. Rick Maggi.
25/10/12: What does the US election mean for markets?
Dr Shane Oliver discusses forthcoming US elections...
The US elections are only a few short weeks away and the polls have Mitt Romney and Barack Obama neck and neck. This video explores the potential consequences of either a Romney or an Obama win. Watch video here
02/10/12: RBA cuts interest rates
25 basis point cut...
The Reserve Bank has cut interest rates by 25 basis points, taking the official cash rate to 3.25 per cent. More here. Rick Maggi
19/09/12: Q&A on QE3
What is it? Why do it?
AMP Capital's Dr Shane Oliver discusses the potential consequences for investors and retirees of the US Federal Reserve's recent decision to commence another round of 'quantitative easing'. This is an easy to understand article, well worth a quick read. Enjoy. Rick Maggi. Read more here.
01/09/12: Economy still growing strong
Australia still the envy of the developed world...
In light of recent comments about the state of our economy, I thought this was a refreshing article... Read more Rick Maggi.
14/08/12: If you invested $10,000 thirty years ago...
The Vanguard 2012 Index Chart
There's nothing quite like time to smooth out the rough patches and provide investors with some perspective. This chart, just released by Vanguard, shows what would have happened to a $10,000 investment made in 1982 had an investor selected either Australian shares, international shares, US shares, listed property, Australian bonds or cash. While the final result will likely surprise many, I believe the wide gap between Australian shares and cash is the standout statistic. View Chart Here
03/08/12: Will more monetary easing work?
Will Quantitative Easing Mark III be successful?
While recent announcements coming out of the US and the European have been disappointing, there is little doubt that both will need to take extra steps to bolster their economies. When this eventually occurs, will it be as effective? Read more here Rick Maggi.