The legal issues most people face and the importance of seeking advice

23 January

Legal issues are an inevitable part of life.  Whether you’re dealing with property transactions, employment disputes, family matters, or financial concerns, navigating the complexities of the legal system can be daunting.  While the specifics of...[Read More]

Planning for business activity statements (BAS) and the importance of professional advice

23 January

Business Activity Statements (BAS) are a vital part of financial management for Australian businesses.  They help businesses meet their tax obligations, including Goods and Services Tax (GST), Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) instalments, and other tax-related...[Read More]

Oliver’s insights – What’s driven the fall in the $A? – Does it threaten inflation and RBA easing?

22 January

Key points The $A has been hit since September by the return of Trump, a hawkish pivot by the Fed versus the RBA and concerns about the outlook for iron ore prices. We doubt the fall is significant enough to boost inflation much and...[Read More]

Why the RBA should rethink key inflation assumption

22 January

The Reserve Bank of Australia believes unemployment is still too low despite inflation and wages growth falling in recent months. Yet some economists argue that proves the central bank’s assumptions are wrong. Unemployment for the month of...[Read More]

Investment markets and key developments – Weekly market update 17/1/2025

22 January

Shares mostly rose over the last week helped by lower-than-expected underlying inflation in the =US which boosted confidence that the Fed was still on track to continue cutting interest rates this year. Japanese shares were the exception reflecting...[Read More]

Lifetime pensions urged to make super system easier

22 January

Retirees should be offered a lifetime pension from the federal government, drawn from their savings, in order to make the superannuation system simpler, a report has urged. The Grattan Institute report on superannuation has recommended retirees use...[Read More]

Strong jobs growth data deflates February rate cut hope

22 January

Australia’s jobs market continues to show “remarkable” resilience with stronger than expected employment growth tempering hopes of a February rate cut. About 56,000 jobs were added to the economy in December, the Australian Bureau of...[Read More]

Tax changes ruled out as treasurer launches food fight

22 January

The treasurer has poured cold water on any new taxes, saying Labor is focused on targeted cost of living relief. Asked whether Labor would bring any new taxes to the upcoming federal election, Jim Chalmers said, “no, our focus is on the tax...[Read More]

Lifting unemployment benefit found to slow job hunting

22 January

Lifting unemployment benefits increases the average time job seekers spend out of work, research reveals, challenging assertions COVID-era support payments did not discourage people from looking for jobs. The $550-a-fortnight JobSeeker Coronavirus...[Read More]

Estate planning: living your best life without regrets

16 January

As you approach the golden years, it’s essential to not only enjoy the life you’ve built but also to plan wisely for the legacy you leave behind.  Estate planning is not merely about drafting a will or dividing assets; it’s about ensuring...[Read More]

Oliver’s insights – More volatile and constrained – the macro investment outlook for 2025

15 January

Key points 2024 was another strong year for investors with shares up strongly on the back of better than feared growth & profits and global central banks cutting rates. Volatility was low and balanced growth super funds returned around 11%. 2025...[Read More]

Consumer spending plunge brightens hopes of rate cut

15 January

Australians pulled back sharply on purchasing household goods after bringing forward spending during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. Consumer spending fell 1.8 per cent in December after a rise in November, with financially stretched households...[Read More]

Investment markets and key developments – Weekly market update 10/01/2025

15 January

Soft week for share markets to begin the New Year as bond yields moved higher, economic data mostly good and in line with moderate inflation and reasonable economic activity.   Global share markets have had a muted start to 2025. US equities...[Read More]

As dollar dips towards 60c, tariff threat may Trump all

15 January

The odds of a February interest rate cut have been slashed but the falling Australian dollar could spell trouble for households hoping for an overseas holiday. The Aussie dollar fell to 61.85 US cents on Monday – its lowest level against the...[Read More]

Find out about obtaining shares and what tax deductions you can claim

15 January

You can obtain shares in several ways, most commonly by buying them. You should keep track of your share transactions so you can claim everything you’re entitled to and work out your tax accurately.   You can obtain shares through: Buying...[Read More]