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Equity and bond markets bounced back hard from disappointing returns in June, amid suggestions that rising interest rates in key regions will help bring inflation under control. Australian shares registered gains of more than 5%. Most major overseas share markets performed even more strongly – the MSCI World Index closed the month 8.0% higher, with …
Gifting, or financially assisting family or friends by giving away some of your assets or accumulated retirement savings, can be a great way to help out younger family members or friends. But before you gift a significant amount, it’s important to understand how this could impact your Age Pension or other social security benefits you …
Australians are being urged to be extra diligent when it comes to investment opportunities that look too good to be true. According to Scamwatch, Australians lost over $205 million to scams between 1 January and 1 May this year – a 166 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. Investment scams on …
Investing in shares is a popular way of helping people to achieve their long-term financial goals. These investments can generate favourable returns over time as companies grow and improve their profitability. Dividends paid by listed companies can also generate a useful income stream. However, there are also risks associated with investments in shares. Companies (or …
Key points Share markets have fallen sharply in recent weeks continuing the plunge that started early this year due to worries about inflation, monetary tightening, recession and geopolitical issues including the invasion of Ukraine. It’s still too early to say markets have bottomed. This will weigh on super returns for this financial year. Selling shares …
It’s an important question as prices rise around the world fuelled by soaring energy and commodity costs, supply chain constraints and a geopolitical retreat from globalisation. In Australia, headline inflation is expected to reach 5 per cent by the end of the year. And while that’s still low from an historical perspective, it is above …
Probate is the legal process that occurs when dealing with a loved one’s will after their death. It can be difficult to know what’s involved with the process and the questions to ask. What is Probate? Probate is the process that makes sure the instructions in a will can be followed. It involves proving and …
The big issue for investors in or close to retirement, is risk. The 2020 COVID-19 share sell off and recent equity market volatility shows just how quickly share prices can move. Volatility can have different meanings for different investors, those with a long-term horizon can be less concerned, knowing they have time on their side. …
Both older and younger Australians, as well as low-income earners, are set to benefit from some upcoming super opportunities. From 1 July 2022, there will be some changes made to super to make it easier for people to grow their retirement savings. These changes will create opportunities for both older and younger Australians, as well …
Everyone buying into the housing market hopes that their purchase will appreciate over time, while sellers want to pick the top of the market. Clearly the growth rates in the Australian housing market, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne, peaked some time ago – March last year. But prices have mostly been still rising, albeit at …