There has been much talk in the media lately about fixed rates – particularly the 5 year fixed rate offered by CBA of 4.99%* which many other major banks subsequently matched. In an economy where changes in interest rates can never be reliably predicted, and where the major banks make changes independently of the RBA anyway, it can be tempting... Read more
By Shane Oliver, Head of Investment Strategy & Chief Economist from Oliver’s Insights, AMP Capital, Edition 26 2014 Key points Dividends are great for investors as decent dividends augur well for earnings growth, they provide a degree of security in uncertain and volatile times, they are likely to comprise a relatively high proportion of returns going forward and they provide... Read more
By Shane Oliver, Head of Investment Strategy & Chief Economist from Oliver’s Insights, AMP Capital, Edition 21 2014 Key points on Share Market Risks Concerns about US shares being overvalued are overdone. The conditions are still not in place for a major top in share markets: valuations are reasonable, the global economy is on the mend, monetary conditions are easy... Read more
This year is already racing by. But before we get to the end of another financial year, take some time to think about how well you have looked after your superannuation savings this year. Australians have saved over $1.5 trillion in superannuation. That’s a lot of zeros. So how much belongs to you and are you saving enough to pay... Read more
The final step to retirement is one of the most anticipated life events. For many people though, there is some apprehension, particularly when it comes to money. To ease your concerns about post-retirement finances we urge you to talk to your financial planner at least 5 years before you expect to retire. With their help you can assess your current... Read more
Thanks to the diversity of our clients, we have the pleasure of arranging equipment finance for all sorts of businesses. From the specialised like a printer’s guillotine, a farmer’s tractor and an arborist’s mulcher to the more common including; passenger cars, light or heavy commercial vehicles, dental, medical or veterinary equipment, construction equipment, plant and machinery, computer technology. Whether you... Read more
By Shane Oliver, Head of Investment Strategy & Chief Economist from Oliver’s Insights, AMP Capital, Edition 18 2014 Key points Australia faces three key structural challenges: the end of the commodity price boom is leading to slower growth in national income; this is putting pressure on the budget; & it’s all occurring when productivity growth has slowed. To get growth... Read more
As of 1 July the ATO has new powers to deal with SMSF contraventions and trustees not fulfilling their obligations. A new set of fines ranging from $850 to $10,200, outlined in Table 1 below will be applied depending on the type of contravention and the type of trustee. For individual trustees the fines may be imposed on each individual.... Read more
With the end of the financial year fast approaching, now is an appropriate time for tax planning. Here we highlight the most relevant strategies for our clients. For further information and advice specific to your situation please contact us as soon as possible. For Individuals 1. Capital Gains Tax (CGT): Capital gains can be offset against losses, so now is... Read more
This update comes to you the morning after Joe Hockey delivered the Abbott Government’s first Federal Budget. By last night most of the headline issues had been telegraphed in leaks to the media over recent days. Here is a link to the detailed budget bulletin released by the Institute of Chartered Accountants and running for 56 pages. Here I highlight... Read more