News Updates
AS IT HAPPENS
In this brief article, Dimensional's Jim Parker comments on currency speculators and just how spectacularly wrong most individual and professional investors get it. A good read. Rick Maggi. Jumping Off the Currency Cart
Recent share market falls have taken some of the lustre from the stellar gains we've witnessed over the last year, although investment returns remain extraordinary to date. So is the perennial "sell in May and go away" behind the recent market correction or is there more to it than that? The following is an easy to understand three-minute video commentary (just released) from AMP Capital's Dr Shane Oliver that should help to calm the nerves... Rick Maggi. Watch Video
With the end of the financial year fast approaching, now is a great time to take advantage of various superannuation, insurance and tax strategies to reduce costs, save tax and streamline your finances.
Below is a useful guide to help you get there, but if you have any doubts or concerns, please contact us or discuss your personal circumstances with your financial adviser or tax specialist before taking action. Rick Maggi. Read Smart EOFY Guide
Has the Australian dollar peaked? What can we expect going forward? What can you do to take advantage? Rick Maggi. Read more here
The Reserve Bank of Australia has just reduced the cash rate by 0.25% to 2.75% effective 8 May 2013. The RBA's Media Release is below. This action is in response to a slowing Australian economy (unemployment is rising, retail and government spending is falling, mining is sluggish, and taxes are set to rise).
Leading brokers are now predicting that our cash rate is headed to 2% and billionaire investor George Soros is betting that the Australian dollar will fall. Against this backdrop, interest rates are likely to continue their drift downwards, which is bad news for term deposit investors, and will probably encourage more Australians back into higher dividend yielding shares, much like the recent American experience (US markets are now trading about 4% above their all-time highs, primarily on the back of very low interest rates).
As the Australian market remains 23% below pre-GFC levels, it is quite conceivable that our markets will get a boost from falling interest rates, provided the global picture doesn't deteriorate. Rick Maggi. RBA Statement
Following the recent changes to Japan's monetary policy, AMP Capital's Dr Shane Oliver discusses it's implications for global share markets. Rick Maggi. Watch Now
Here's the good news. The changes were not 'draconian', as feared in recent weeks. In fact, most Australian's won't be impacted by the tweaks to investment earnings tax on pension balances. The bad news is that all of this adds greater complexity to an already complex area, which is why you should speak to your financial planner. Below is a bullet point summary of the changes, but there are other areas to consider as well, so call us. Rick Maggi. Super Changes
After a strong start to the year, share markets have had a few wobbles lately and bonds have rallied again. Sell in May and go away? Rick Maggi. Read more here
In this article, Dr Shane Oliver looks at the recent move to the relative safety of bonds and whether now is the right time to be making the shift. Read more here
So far this year we have seen solid gains in global share markets. Economic news has been positive with receding tails risks regarding Europe, greater confidence of continued growth in the US and some lessening worries about China. But there was also a burst of confidence in early 2010 and early 2011. Read more here.
Trying to correctly time your entry point to the market is never easy. Just ask the experts. This brief article written by Jim Parker, VP of Dimensional (DFA) Australia, is another reminder of the perils of market timing. Let me know if you'd like a copy of Jim Parker's book 'Outside the Flags' - an easy, enjoyable read. Rick Maggi. Read 'Running to Stand Still'
A refreshing take on the new year from Vanguard's Robin Bowerman… Read Here
The Dow Jones Industrial Average soared to an all-time record high on Tuesday, passing the five-year old mark to leave behind the deep losses of the economic crisis. The positive impact on Australian superannuation and pension funds has been huge. Read More Here. Rick Maggi.
What is the difference between a Retirement Village and a Lifestyle Village? What is an Aged Care Facility? What other housing options are available to you?
As financial advisors, we're constantly looking for new and relevant products services to help our clients and their families, and we think that 'Relacs', based in Mount Lawley, is pretty special in that regard. If you have ever delved into the areas of Aged Care and Retirement Living, you'll know that this a very complex area and a potential minefield with numerous variables to consider, usually on behalf of your loved ones.
Relacs is a unique service that focuses solely on the issues of Retirement Living, Residential Aged Care, Home & Community Care and Respite & Transitional Care, so they can pull it all together and provide reliable advice in terms you can understand.
It's a great service and one that finally fills a huge void in the Aged Care advice space. For more information, visit their website here, or read their brochure below. Relacs Brochure
This is a fascinating article from AMP Capital's Dr Shane Oliver, which suggests that the long-term 'secular bear market' which has plagued investors since the year 2000 is about to end, making way for a new longer running bull market, but with some limitations. Worth a read. Rick Maggi. Read here... Bull market getting closer
