Market/Economic Update

13/06/13: Jumping off the Currency Cart

currency.jpg
Why should it matter to you as an investor?

In this brief article, Dimensional's Jim Parker comments on currency speculators and just how spectacularly wrong most individual and professional investors get it. A good read. Rick Maggi.   Jumping Off the Currency Cart

06/06/13: Recent market losses

oliver.jpg
Sell in May and go away, or something more sinister?

Recent share market falls have taken some of the lustre from the stellar gains we've witnessed over the last year, although investment returns remain extraordinary to date. So is the perennial "sell in May and go away" behind the recent market correction or is there more to it than that? The following is an easy to understand three-minute video commentary (just released) from AMP Capital's Dr Shane Oliver that should help to calm the nerves... Rick Maggi.  Watch Video

02/05/13: Japan's monetary easing and global markets

japanflag.jpg
What are the implications for Australia?

Following the recent changes to Japan's monetary policy, AMP Capital's Dr Shane Oliver discusses it's implications for global share markets. Rick Maggi. Watch Now

12/04/13: Are we in for another bout of weakness?

updown.jpg
Olivers Insights

After a strong start to the year, share markets have had a few wobbles lately and bonds have rallied again. Sell in May and go away? Rick Maggi. Read more here

23/03/12: Global recovery watch

world.jpg
Mid-year scare on the horizon?

So far this year we have seen solid gains in global share markets. Economic news has been positive with receding tails risks regarding Europe, greater confidence of continued growth in the US and some lessening worries about China. But there was also a burst of confidence in early 2010 and early 2011. Read more here.

20/03/13: Running to Stand Still

runningorange.jpg
'Outside The Flags' (Jim Parker, Dimensional)

Trying to correctly time your entry point to the market is never easy. Just ask the experts. This brief article written by Jim Parker, VP of Dimensional (DFA) Australia, is another reminder of the perils of market timing. Let me know if you'd like a copy of Jim Parker's book 'Outside the Flags' - an easy, enjoyable read. Rick Maggi.  Read 'Running to Stand Still'

06/03/13: Dow smashes record as US stocks surge

usflag.jpg
All-time high...

The Dow Jones Industrial Average soared to an all-time record high on Tuesday, passing the five-year old mark to leave behind the deep losses of the economic crisis. The positive impact on Australian superannuation and pension funds has been huge. Read More Here. Rick Maggi.

01/03/13: A new long-term bull market edging closer...

bull.jpg
...but may be somewhat constrained

This is a fascinating article from AMP Capital's Dr Shane Oliver, which suggests that the long-term 'secular bear market' which has plagued investors since the year 2000 is about to end, making way for a new longer running bull market, but with some limitations. Worth a read. Rick Maggi. Read here... Bull market getting closer

27/02/13: Italian elections & European risk

italyeu.jpg
Where to from here?

With an inconclusive election result and a general unwillingness to reform their economy, Italy's future (and therefore Europe's), is back in the spotlight, impacting on share markets and overall confidence. This is a brief report on the topic. Rick Maggi  Italian Election/European Risk

27/02/13: What is the prediction for Gold in 2013?

gold1.jpg
CommSec Gold Commentary...

The following is a 3 minute video commentary from CommSec about the prospects for gold during 2013 and 2014. Enjoy. Rick Maggi. Gold prediction video

16/02/13: Market Dashboard: 15 Feb 2013

snapshot.jpg
Facts and figures at your fingertips...

A quick snapshot of share markets, superannuation funds, commodities, rates and more. Enjoy! Rick Maggi.  Dashboard

06/02/13: Shares, property, bonds or cash?

qm.jpg
Which way to go?

In this easy to understand article, AMP Capital's Dr Shane Oliver discusses the four investments options and their possible performance over the next few years. The second article takes a look at the current share market 'boom' and it's potential to be longer lasting than past recoveries. Rick Maggi

Shares, Property, Bonds or Cash?      Shares: How Long Can It Last?

18/12/12: Outlook for 2013.

iStock_000021515388Medium.jpg
Olivers Insights

An excellent overview of 2012 and a refreshingly bold attempt to map out the next twelve months, by AMP Capital's Dr Shane Oliver. Take a close look at the table of investment returns and forecasts. Enjoy! Rick Maggi

Read Oliver's Insights Here        Shares in 2013 (video)

20/11/12: November Market & Economic Update

Untitled.jpg
November 2012 Economic Update (Easy Reading)

AMP Capital's Dr Shane Oliver presents a brief market and economic snapshot. Enjoy. Rick Maggi.  Market & Economic Update

06/11/12: Rates on hold in November

int2.jpg
Interest rates left on hold for now

The Reserve Bank has elected to leave official interest rates on hold at 3.25 per cent, defying economists bets on a Cup Day cut. A survey of 27 economists by financial news service Bloomberg had 20 tipping a rate cut. However, the RBA has elected to break a six-year streak of moving interest rates on the first Tuesday in November.

The decision keeps the cash rate just above a low of 3 per cent that it dropped to in 2009 during the peak of the economic fallout from the Global Financial Crisis. The general view is that the RBA, always vigilant to fight off inflationary pressures, is taking a wait and see approach as the US economy slowly recovers and China's economy begins to stabilise.

Australia now has the highest interest rates of anywhere in the developed world. While lower interest rates would be a welcome development for borrowers, retirees will benefit from today's decision. But it's also important to note that very low rates is a sign that conditions have deteriorated - never a good thing So i think today, along with the Melbourne Cup, is a good day to celebrate.

31/10/12: Is the mining boom over?

qm.jpg
CommSec Video (3.36min)

In this addition, CommSec comments on the mining sector and whether the mining boom is actually over. Enjoy! Rick Maggi.  Watch video here

20/10/12: Viewpoint: Jim O'Neill

world.jpg
Jim O'Neill, Chairman of Goldman Sachs...

Below is a brief global economic update (China, US, UK & Eurozone) from the Chairman of Goldman Sachs, Jim O'Neill…  Viewpoint with Jim O'Neill

16/10/12: Managing super in challenging times

traffic-cone.jpg
Your questions answered...

The last few years since the GFC have been difficult for investors - each time share markets take a step forward, changes in the global economy pull them back. Paul Clitheroe joins AMP Capital's Dr Shane Oliver to provide their views on where share markets are placed and how to navigate the period ahead. Also included is a link on the Eurozone (easy reading). Enjoy. Rick Maggi.

Watch video here          Read Eurozone update here

25/10/12: What does the US election mean for markets?

eelction-2012.jpg
Dr Shane Oliver discusses forthcoming US elections...

The US elections are only a few short weeks away and the polls have Mitt Romney and Barack Obama neck and neck. This video explores the potential consequences of either a Romney or an Obama win.  Watch video here