New Financial Year. Fresh Start.
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27/06/12: Super Tip #8: Government co-contribution
Get your cash reward...
As we're now approaching June 30th, its important to do some planning to maximise your strategy. This is a summary of the Government's 'co-contribution' scheme, which was spared in the recent May Federal Budget. Rick Maggi Read more here
24/06/13: The Fed, Interest Rates and Bonds
Market Update...
Recent market falls and noise around the US Federal Reserve's potential moves going forward has been rattling investors. The following is a candid and easy to understand article on the subject from AMP Capital's Dr Shane Oliver. Rick Maggi. Read more here
18/06/12: Greek election "a victory for all of Europe"
Pro-austerity parties to rule...
Markets are breathing a sigh of relief after yesterday's elections in Greece, with the moderate centre-right party winning enough seats to govern in a coalition with another, established pro-austerity party. At the time of writing, share markets have rebounded strongly on the positive news. Watch video here. Rick Maggi
06/06/13: Recent market losses
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
15/05/13: Federal Budget Analysis (2013)
No big surprises...
The 2013/14 Federal Budget will not be the most memorable. However, there are $43 billion worth of savings to, hopefully, drive the budget into a wafer-thin surplus by 2016/17. Thankfully, the superannuation tinkering did not extend any further in this Budget but re-enforced the announcements made on 5 April 2013. Again, it is important to note that, in this election year, most of the proposals announced are not yet law.
From a financial planning perspective, the Budget did deliver some amendments in the social security and family benefit payment space which may impact on some clients. The superannuation, pension and social security proposals further highlights the importance of getting good financial advice.
The following is a summary of the changes (Westmount), commentary/implications (AMP) and a video summary (MLC). Rick Maggi.
Federal Budget Analysis 2013 Commentary/Implications Video Summary
13/05/13: Smart EOFY 2013 Strategies
12 End of Financial Year strategies to consider...
With the end of the financial year fast approaching, now is a great time to take advantage of various superannuation, insurance and tax strategies to reduce costs, save tax and streamline your finances.
Below is a useful guide to help you get there, but if you have any doubts or concerns, please contact us or discuss your personal circumstances with your financial adviser or tax specialist before taking action. Rick Maggi. Read Smart EOFY Guide
07/05/13: Alert: Cash rate cut by 25 basis points
The comfort and safety of Term Deposits is a double-edged sword...
The Reserve Bank of Australia has just reduced the cash rate by 0.25% to 2.75% effective 8 May 2013. The RBA's Media Release is below. This action is in response to a slowing Australian economy (unemployment is rising, retail and government spending is falling, mining is sluggish, and taxes are set to rise).
Leading brokers are now predicting that our cash rate is headed to 2% and billionaire investor George Soros is betting that the Australian dollar will fall. Against this backdrop, interest rates are likely to continue their drift downwards, which is bad news for term deposit investors, and will probably encourage more Australians back into higher dividend yielding shares, much like the recent American experience (US markets are now trading about 4% above their all-time highs, primarily on the back of very low interest rates).
As the Australian market remains 23% below pre-GFC levels, it is quite conceivable that our markets will get a boost from falling interest rates, provided the global picture doesn't deteriorate. Rick Maggi. RBA Statement
02/05/13: Japan's monetary easing and global markets
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
18/02/13: 2013 Rays of Hope
The start of the new year...
A refreshing take on the new year from Vanguard's Robin Bowerman… Read Here
06/03/13: Dow smashes record as US stocks surge
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.
27/02/13: Italian elections & European risk
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
25/01/13: Japanese reflation a good thing
...and why it's great for Australia!
This article discusses the Bank of Japan's recent decision to raise its inflation target and introduce open ended 'quantitative easing'. It sounds complicated but it is a good read and simply explained. Enjoy. Rick Maggi Japanese Reflation
18/12/12: Outlook for 2013.
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