Australia's financial sector is yet again under the spotlight as Westpac finds itself embroiled in another scandal involving irresponsible lending practices. The bank's RAMS home loans subsidiary faces serious allegations by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) regarding improper loan approvals. - read more
Australians continue to exhibit cautious spending behaviours, as evidenced by a modest uptick in expenditure during April, notwithstanding consecutive long weekends and favourable economic conditions. Recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) illustrates a 0.1% increase in household spending, following declines and tepid growth in the preceding months. - read more
The Star Casino is embroiled in legal difficulties after allegations emerged in a Federal Court involving their facilitation of risky financial transactions, including offering massive gambling credits to individuals known for money laundering. This follows financial watchdog AUSTRAC's pursuit of legal action against the casino. - read more
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) is fast-tracking its oversight of the private credit market, focusing on retail distribution amidst potential risks in the asset class. ASIC Commissioner Simone Constant disclosed that the regulator is prioritising this initiative in response to anticipated failures within the sector, as outlined in a discussion paper released earlier this year. - read more
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) recently highlighted the substantial contribution of international students to the economy, estimating education exports to be valued at $51 billion for the 2023-24 fiscal year. This figure underscores the economic significance of Australia's educational sector, as calculated by combining average spending estimates from Tourism Research Australia with students’ total course fee expenditures. - read more
Virgin Australia is poised to make a significant return to the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) through an initial public offering (IPO) aimed at raising $685 million. Bain Capital, the US private equity firm that currently owns a substantial portion of the airline, is set to sell 30% of its stake at $2.90 a share. This sale values Virgin Australia at just over $2.3 billion, compared to rival Qantas, whose shares were trading at $10.70. - read more
Amidst ongoing economic challenges, a recent report from Colonial First State (CFS) highlights the urgent call for accessible financial advice in Australia. Surveying 2,250 Australians, CFS discovered that 82% of respondents believe financial guidance should be available to everyone. - read more
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is under the spotlight as financial markets largely anticipate a 70% probability of a rate cut during its next meeting in July. This potential adjustment, coupled with further cuts expected later in 2025, could see the official cash rate (OCR) drop to 3.10% by year-end. - read more
Investors in Australian Real Estate Investment Trusts (A-REITs) could witness a favourable shift in stock performance this year, thanks to declining inflation and interest rates rejuvenating the property market. This is according to Amy Pham, a portfolio manager with Pengana’s High Conviction Property Securities Fund, who anticipates A-REIT earnings to rise between 3% and 5% throughout the current calendar year. - read more
As Australians increasingly form new relationships in their later years, it is becoming crucial for these couples to engage in candid financial conversations. Many bring considerable assets into these relationships, including property and superannuation savings, which can be at risk without transparent discussions. Financial planner Trudy Jenkin from NGS Super emphasises that while these talks may not be romantic, they are vital for building a strong foundation and avoiding future financial disputes. - read more
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Loan refinancing involves replacing an existing loan with a new one, usually to achieve better terms. It allows borrowers to access new loan agreements that could potentially offer lower interest rates, better repayment conditions, or additional financial benefits. - read more
Online loans have revolutionized the way Australians access finance. With the emergence of fintech and the convenience of the internet, obtaining a loan is now faster, easier, and often more customer-centric. When managed responsibly, the online loan application process empowers borrowers with quick funds for life's unexpected expenses or investments. However, the speed and simplicity of online transactions can also lead to common oversights. - read more
Creditworthiness represents a cornerstone in the world of finance, serving as the gauge by which lenders assess an individual's reliability in repaying debt. It's this measurement that can open doors to various financing opportunities or, conversely, become a barrier to accessing essential credit lines. So, what is creditworthiness, and why does it matter? - read more
Online loans have revolutionized the way Australians access finance. With the emergence of fintech and the convenience of the internet, obtaining a loan is now faster, easier, and often more customer-centric. When managed responsibly, the online loan application process empowers borrowers with quick funds for life's unexpected expenses or investments. However, the speed and simplicity of online transactions can also lead to common oversights. - read more
An accurate credit report is essential because it directly affects your financial health and borrowing ability. Lenders use your credit report to assess your reliability as a borrower. Accurate information can help you secure loans and favorable interest rates. - read more
When you embark on the journey of securing a loan, one pivotal factor that looms large in the eyes of lenders is your debt-to-income ratio, commonly known as DTI. This crucial metric measures the chunk of your monthly income that goes towards paying debts, and it serves as a barometer for financial stability. A lower DTI can swing the doors wide open to favorable loan terms, while a higher one might signal red flags for potential lenders. - read more
