With interest rates low, many Australian’s are looking to transition from renting to home ownership. Housing affordability continues to be a major challenge, however there are areas where home ownership could be a reality for renters. CoreLogic recently released data showing that more than a third of properties across Australia had estimated mortgage repayments that were less than weekly rental... Read more
Business owners and operators will be familiar with AUSkey which has been used to date as a secure login that identifies you when you use government online services, for example, lodging your business activity statement (BAS). AUSkey has also allowed you to authorise others, for example your bookkeeper or accountant, to act on behalf of your business. After 27 March... Read more
We have seen a major correction in all equity markets around the globe, as investors react to the impact of coronavirus on company profits. Travel bans and factory closures will certainly have an impact on global economic growth and activity. Uncertainty and fear are leading many investors to sell indiscriminately as they try to reduce their overall exposure to the... Read more
Shane Oliver’s latest article looks at the increasing spread of coronavirus. Key Points: While reported new coronavirus cases in China have slowed, the pickup in cases outside China has led to a renewed sharp fall in share markets, commodity prices and bond yields. Our base case is that the outbreak will be contained allowing share markets and bond yields to... Read more
By Shane Oliver, Head of Investment Strategy & Chief Economist from Oliver’s Insights, AMP Capital, 19th February 2020 Shane Oliver’s latest article addresses the concern that central banks are distorting market forces, leading to overvaluation of prices for assets like shares and property. Key Points: Shares are vulnerable to a short-term correction. But with inflation low, and as long as... Read more
Shane Oliver’s latest article looks at coronavirus and other worries, and how to turn down the noise around investing. Key Points: The coronavirus outbreak is just another of a long list of worries. Our natural inclination to zoom in on negative news combined with a massive ramp-up in the availability of information is arguably making us worse investors: more fearful,... Read more
An important change to the CGT main residence exemption for foreign residents was recently passed. As this will significantly impact a number of our clients, we provide some detail below. Who is Impacted? This change will impact individuals who are foreign residents for tax purposes, and who will be selling their main residential property in Australia. Previously, these individuals were... Read more
Talk of Australia’s housing market recovery is back, with our biggest markets – Sydney and Melbourne – increasing property prices once again this month. For a concise overview of the Sydney Property Market’s latest performance, click here to watch a short video from CoreLogic. If you’re considering your options, now is a great time to get an estimate of your... Read more
If you are a high income earner, and, you have more than one employer, you may be able to opt out of superannuation guarantee payments from one employer. This will help you avoid unintentionally going over the concessional contributions cap. This is only applicable if you expect your employers’ mandated concessional super contributions to exceed your concessional contributions cap for... Read more
If you are a trustee of a discretionary trust, and you hold (or intend to hold) residential land in NSW in the trust, then it is important you are aware of foreign person surcharges which may inadvertently apply. Foreign Person Residential Property Surcharges in NSW In NSW, residential land held by foreign persons attracts an 8% surcharge purchaser duty and... Read more