In Shane Oliver’s latest article he discusses quantitative easing, the role it is playing in the coronavirus economic rescue globally, and the implications for investors. Key Points Central bank support to ensure the flow of money and credit through economies is an essential part of the global and Australian coronavirus economic rescue. This has increasingly involved quantitative easing which entails... Read more
If your business has been significantly impacted by the coronavirus shutdowns you will be able to access a wages subsidy to continue paying your employees and to set businesses up for a speedy recovery after the crisis has been resolved. Businesses and NFP’s with Employees To be eligible, employers must meet the following criteria: Turnover is less than $1 billion... Read more
More from Shane Oliver this week on the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on the way we live and as a result on investment markets. In this article Shane addresses some questions, such as: why does a big part of the economy have to go into “hibernation”? how long might it be for? how big will the hit to the economy... Read more
Banks have outlined how they are supporting those affected by the coronavirus pandemic and its economic impacts. All members of the Australian Banking Association (ABA) will suspend principal and interest loan repayments for distressed small-business customers for six months. All four major banks (CBA, NAB, ANZ and Westpac) will also extend this to distressed home loan customers, enabling them to... Read more
Many people in the coming months will need to be in self-isolation, quarantine or potentially receiving treatment. This separation will make it harder for practical matters to be managed. There will be times that may need people to be formally authorised to make decisions for you. Having a power of attorney in place is the best way to be prepared... Read more
Two measures announced in the Government’s stimulus package are changes related to superannuation. Superannuation Pension Streams Reduced The Government is temporarily reducing superannuation minimum drawdown requirements for account-based pensions and similar products. This is of benefit to retirees holding these products, by reducing the need to sell investment assets to fund minimum drawdown requirements. The minimum annual amount that you’re... Read more
Cash Flow Assistance to Businesses This payment will assist small and medium businesses that employ staff with temporary cash flow support. In the latest update, not-for-profit entities (NFPs), including charities, with aggregated annual turnover under $50 million and that employ workers will now also be eligible, and the amounts have been increased. Eligible businesses are small and medium entities, and NFP’s with... Read more
Shane Oliver looks back at the bear markets in Australia since 1900, and discusses whether we are headed for a recession, a depression or something unprecedented. He asserts that growth could rebound quickly once the virus is under control and policy stimulus impacts. Key Points Global share markets have fallen into a bear market, but whether this turns out to... Read more
DIY “Will Kits” are not new and now many websites boast online Wills which promise to save hundreds on legal fees. The convenience and low price may seem initially appealing, however there are some significant disadvantages to preparing a Will without sound legal advice. 1. You Don’t Meet the Person Writing Your Will. This is the most significant issue with... Read more
We can always count on Shane Oliver to keep us balanced and focused on the basics during times of uncertainty. In his latest article, he reminds us of five critical aspects of investing in times of market stress. Key Points Successful investing can be really difficult in times like the present with immense uncertainty around the impact of coronavirus on the... Read more