The US economy is teetering on the edge of a hard landing, with ongoing tariff disruptions continuing to shake the market, as noted in American Century Investments' latest forecast. Despite some optimism, the challenges persist, keeping hopes for a softer economic transition at bay. - read more
The median price for a house in Sydney soared to $1,722,443 by the end of June, marking a 2.6% quarterly increase and a 4.2% rise year-on-year, according to Domain’s Q2 house price report. This marks the city's fastest quarterly growth in two years and the third consecutive rise. Alongside, unit prices hit a record $834,791, increasing by 1.5% over the same period. - read more
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has initiated an investigation into the debt management and credit repair industry, expressing concerns that certain firms may be exacerbating the financial struggles of vulnerable consumers. The inquiry will focus on instances where firms are alleged to have overcharged for minimal services, failed in their contractual communication, or breached the terms of their agreements altogether. - read more
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has recently implemented two consecutive 25 basis point cuts to the official cash rate. This has culminated in a notable 34 basis point decrease in the weighted-average interest rate across all existing housing loans in the country compared to the peak rates observed in January 2025. - read more
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) delivered an unexpected twist at its recent monetary policy meeting by deciding to keep the official cash rate (OCR) at 3.85%. This move contradicted the expectations of financial analysts, who were nearly unanimous in predicting a reduction in the rate. Market forecasts had virtually priced in a rate cut, highlighting the RBA's surprising break from anticipated action. - read more
BetaShares has announced the launch of Trellia Wealth Partners, a new entity formed through a strategic acquisition. The newly established firm will operate independently, boasting $8 billion in funds under management (FUM) and offering a range of investment options including index-based, active, and bespoke managed accounts. Additionally, Trellia Wealth Partners will provide advanced tools and technology aimed at enhancing efficiency and delivering superior client experiences for financial advisers. - read more
The Australian Labor government is advancing plans to implement standardised sustainability labels across various investment products, including superannuation and managed funds. This initiative aims to aid consumers in making informed decisions while curbing potential greenwashing practices. Minister for Financial Services Daniel Mulino, alongside Treasurer Jim Chalmers, formally announced the opening of a public consultation on this new labelling framework, marking Mulino's debut policy action since assuming his new ministerial role in May. - read more
Australia's growing population is poised to significantly benefit the housing, healthcare, and financial services sectors, according to insights from Datt Capital. The country experienced a net population increase of 667,000 in 2024, primarily driven by overseas migration, far exceeding the projected annual figure of 200,000. - read more
Amidst global market fluctuations, concerns over inflated equity valuations have been significantly eased, with Australia's financial landscape emerging as a beacon of stability. Ten Cap, a boutique equities specialist from Australia, has expressed confidence in the resilience of the equity markets, which are navigating various challenges including trade disputes, geopolitical tensions, and unpredictable commodity prices. - read more
Australian housing market sentiment has shown a notable upswing, as recent data indicates an increase in consumer confidence towards property prices. The Westpac consumer sentiment index illustrates this shift, aligning with a resurgence in the 'time to buy a dwelling' index, suggesting growing optimism about housing investments. - read more
In a market swayed by trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainties, investors are encouraged to remain cautious of inflated valuations. The mid-year outlook from Schroders warns against ignoring these issues, despite the market's surprising resilience to economic pressures. - read more
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has taken enforcement action against two financial planning licensees for permitting unregistered advisers to provide personal financial advice. This regulatory action involved Sky Money Pty Ltd and Smart Financial Capital Pty Ltd, who were each required to pay infringement notice penalties amounting to $31,300 in early July 2025. - read more
Australia's strong labour market showed signs of cooling in June, with the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics revealing an increase in the unemployment rate to 4.3 per cent, up from 4.1 per cent in May. This slowdown in employment growth, with only a modest increase of 2000 jobs, adds to the pressure on the Reserve Bank to consider future interest rate cuts. The Reserve Bank had previously held the official cash rate steady at 3. - read more
Recent admissions from the Treasury reveal Australia's precarious financial situation, with significant implications for the nation’s economic stability. A report from credit ratings firm S&P last month highlighted that the combined budget deficits of Australia’s state and federal governments total $52 billion. Furthermore, the country's net debt has already surpassed 60% of GDP, showcasing a challenging fiscal scenario. - read more
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has proposed eliminating surcharges on debit and credit card transactions, a move that impacts all major card providers such as Mastercard, Visa, and eftpos. As revealed in a newly released consultation paper, the RBA cites the $1.2 billion annual cost to consumers, highlighting inefficiencies and advocating for a unified approach to card payments. - read more
The Future2 Foundation has opened nominations for its annual Make the Difference Grants, providing financial support to initiatives that enhance financial wellbeing across Australia. Financial services professionals have until August 21 to nominate local projects aimed at improving financial literacy, assisting those in poverty, supporting disadvantaged women, and benefiting regional and remote communities. - read more
Recent analysis from WealthData indicates a growing trend among financial advisers in Australia, where a significant portion of those who have successfully passed the financial adviser exam are opting not to practice. As of now, 5,096 individuals, representing 33.31% of active advisers, have chosen not to proceed into practice after passing the exam—up from 28.36% a year prior. - read more
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) recently surprised many by maintaining the interest rate at 3.85%, against expectations of a cut. This decision is seen as a measure to continue moderating inflation, but it simultaneously delays potential spikes in the housing market, providing a favorable window for prospective homebuyers. In particular, Melbourne's current market presents significant value, offering a promising opportunity for those looking to enter the property market. - read more
In a recent discussion, James O'Reilly, Director and Financial Planner at Northeast Wealth, underscored the benefits that could come from granting financial advisers access to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) portal. Speaking on The ifa Show, O'Reilly proposed that this access would significantly simplify the services financial advisers provide to clients, particularly at tax time and the end of the financial year (EOFY). - read more
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has decided to keep the official cash rate steady at 3.85%, taking many by surprise after expectations of a 25-basis-point cut had built up in financial circles. This unexpected move comes amid recent data indicating easing inflation and weaker than anticipated economic growth, conflicting with prior predictions of a cut. - read more
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is anticipated to maintain its trajectory of incremental interest rate reductions, according to insights from leading financial analysts at ANZ. Recent data from the ANZ-Indeed Australian Job Ads series revealed a rise from 114.8 in May to 116.9 in June, suggesting a potential rebound in job advertisements after previous declines. Despite a stable unemployment rate and hours-based underutilisation rate since mid-2024, the Australian labour market remains strained. - read more
As the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) prepares for its forthcoming monetary policy announcement, economic analysts anticipate a further reduction in the official cash rate by 25 basis points. This prediction, supported by Finder’s RBA Cash Rate Survey, reveals that 88% of participating experts foresee a cut that would lower the interest rate to 3.6%, aligning the decision with the recent decline in both headline and core inflation to the central bank's target range of two to three percent. - read more
In a concerning revelation, Australian retiree Christine Hirchfield shares her ordeal with an unsolicited solar installation that turned into a financial nightmare. Despite her initial enthusiasm for cheaper energy bills and a greener home, the project remains incomplete more than a year later. Consumer groups are now advocating for a nationwide prohibition on deceptive sales practices that target vulnerable consumers like Ms Hirchfield. - read more
Australian online retail sales experienced a modest rise in May, as consumers continued to invest in fashion, games, and toys. According to the latest figures from the National Australia Bank, there was a 0.7% increase in online sales for the month, compared to a 1.1% growth in April. Over the past year, Australians have spent approximately $63 billion on online retail purchases. - read more
The starting days of the new financial year bring significant changes for Australian workers, particularly those on minimum wage. As of Tuesday, the minimum wage will rise by 3.5 per cent, increasing hourly earnings to $24.95, or $948 weekly. This adjustment also affects award wages and comes as a response to rising living costs, outpacing current inflation rates. - read more
The US dollar has experienced an unprecedented decline, marking its worst first-half performance since 1973. Concerns surrounding President Donald Trump's tariff policies have intensified, leading to a substantial drop in the value of the world's primary reserve currency. Specifically, the dollar weakened by 10.7% against a basket of major trading partners' currencies in the first six months of the year, reminiscent of Nixon's era when the dollar was untethered from gold. - read more
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