25 basis point cut...
The Reserve Bank has cut interest rates by 25 basis points, taking the official cash rate to 3.25 per cent. More here. Rick Maggi
19/09/12: Q&A on QE3
What is it? Why do it?
AMP Capital's Dr Shane Oliver discusses the potential consequences for investors and retirees of the US Federal Reserve's recent decision to commence another round of 'quantitative easing'. This is an easy to understand article, well worth a quick read. Enjoy. Rick Maggi. Read more here.
01/09/12: Economy still growing strong
Australia still the envy of the developed world...
In light of recent comments about the state of our economy, I thought this was a refreshing article... Read more Rick Maggi.
14/08/12: If you invested $10,000 thirty years ago...
The Vanguard 2012 Index Chart
There's nothing quite like time to smooth out the rough patches and provide investors with some perspective. This chart, just released by Vanguard, shows what would have happened to a $10,000 investment made in 1982 had an investor selected either Australian shares, international shares, US shares, listed property, Australian bonds or cash. While the final result will likely surprise many, I believe the wide gap between Australian shares and cash is the standout statistic. View Chart Here
03/08/12: Will more monetary easing work?
Will Quantitative Easing Mark III be successful?
While recent announcements coming out of the US and the European have been disappointing, there is little doubt that both will need to take extra steps to bolster their economies. When this eventually occurs, will it be as effective? Read more here Rick Maggi.
27/07/12: The search for a decent yield
Oliver's Insights
The uncertain investment environment and poor returns from shares since the GFC has seen the popularity of bank deposits surge while that of shares has collapsed. With term deposit rates falling it makes sense for investors to consider some of the alternatives. This article, written by Dr Shane Oliver of AMP Capital, takes a closer look at some of the options available. Rick Maggi. Read more here
19/07/12: USA: What on earth is the "fiscal cliff"?
Yet another alarming sound-bite?
In recent weeks, US politicians and economists have been quoting the term 'fiscal cliff' in the media with increasing regularity. The coming fiscal cliff they are referring to would take effect on January 1 2013, after the US elections in November. So what exactly is it? Should Australian investors be worried? Read more here
29/06/12: Australian house prices - is the crash upon us?
Where to from here?
New home sales data released today for May by the HIA confirm that the housing market remains chronically weak right now. This article looks at the outlook for Australian house prices. Rick Maggi Read more here
28/06/12: What about the US?
Greek relief for now - but what about the US?
In addition to providing a brief update on Europe, this note (courtesy of AMP Capital) focusses on the US economy, both in terms of the slowdown evident in some economic indicators and the impending fiscal tightening from January 1 next year. Read more here
01/06/12: Bond funds vs term deposits
Which is better in the current environment?
Jeff Brunton, Head of Credit Markets (AMP) discusses the benefits of bond funds in an environment of declining interest rates. Rick Maggi. View video here
13/04/12: Some encouraging modern history...
March quarter foreshadows strong returns ahead...
In this brief article, filled with positive messages, Elm Capital's John Robertson takes a look at the strong start to 2012 and what we might expect for the remainder of 2012, based on modern history. Let's hope he's right. Enjoy! Rick Maggi Read here
22/03/12: Mining boom to shift into overdrive
$60 billion export surge
The pay-off from the surge in resource investment is at hand, with rapid growth in export volumes now evident and set to continue for the next 5 years, far outweighing any weakness in prices. Read more here. Rick Maggi
14/03/12: Dow Rises to Highest Level Since 2007
Good news...
US stocks advanced strongly again, sending the Dow Jones up over 200 points, to the highest level since 2007, well past 13,000. Read more here
24/02/12: Low return world ten years on...
...and what does it mean for investing?
This article, yet another from Dr Shane Oliver, will be interest to all investors, superannuation, pension and wealth accumulators alike. Rick Maggi Read Oliver's Insights
17/02/12: Greece & Europe: What are the risks?
What's the risk of a disorderly default and euro break-up?
Utterly exasperated, many would now like to see Greece immediately comply or leave the Eurozone. This article looks at the risks and potential impact. Rick Maggi Read here
03/02/12: Dow and S&P500 have best January since 1997
Some good news...
It's the best start in 15 years. In what was mostly a slow and steady climb, the Dow Jones Industrial average rose 3.4 per cent in January and Standard & Poor's 500 gained 4.4 per cent, the best performances for both indexes to open a year since 1997. Rick Maggi Read more here
18/01/12: 2012 and beyond - a list of lists
Oliver's Insights
As always, AMP Capital's Dr Shane Oliver provides an excellent, easy to understand overview of markets and the economy. This will assist investment, superannuation and pension clients to formulate their strategies and expectations going forward. Enjoy! Rick Maggi Oliver's Insights
20/12/11: The year ahead...
A year of disasters
(Video) AMP Capital's Dr Shane Oliver series of videos takes a look at 2011 and looks forward into 2012. Worth viewing. Rick Maggi. Watch video
16/12/11: Behold the beauty of bonds
An outstanding year for Bonds...
Vanguard's Robin Bowerman focuses on the outstanding performance of bonds during 2011, but also highlights the age old importance of diversification. Rick Maggi Read here
13/12/11: Should we be concerned about 2012?
Oliver's Insights
AMP Capital's Dr Shane Oliver looks back on 2011 and, perhaps more importantly, takes a balanced and rational look forward into 2012. Next year could be better than many expect. Rick Maggi. Read Shane Oliver's report