Finance
Are the Lipstick and Beer Indexes Reliable Measures of Consumer Behaviour?
14 March
Traditional indicators such as GDP, unemployment rates, and inflation indicators are used to measure the health and performance of an economy. These are commonly used by economists and policymakers in gauging a country’s economic growth and...[Read More]
Oliver’s insights Bitcoin to infinity and beyond…again!
13 March
Key points – Bitcoin has made it to new record highs, helped recently by the advent of ETFs that invest directly into it. – While blockchain technology has promise, the use case for Bitcoin is hard to determine making it impossible to...[Read More]
Swifties boost spending
13 March
The Australian economy got a leg up from Taylor Swift concerts but the much-anticipated visit was not enough to counter penny pinching elsewhere. Spending as tracked by Commonwealth Bank has been generally subdued and fell 0.3 per cent over the...[Read More]
Wealthy Australians called on to pay more for aged care
13 March
Wealthier Australians are being urged to pay more for aged care so the government can help older people with lesser means access residential and in-home services. The overall wealth of older Australians is expected to increase, with the proportion...[Read More]
Consumers paying the price for ‘slow’ data right scheme
13 March
Giving people more control over their data footprint could significantly expand the economy and save consumers time and money, research shows. The so-called Consumer Data Right (CDR) gives Australians some control over their personal data but should...[Read More]
The feeling of looking back at an old photo and acknowledging you did OK
7 March
In the maddening rush of life, you may find yourself looking for ways to improve your mood, alleviate stress, and enhance your sense of satisfaction. One surprising yet effective strategy is immersing yourself in the nostalgic embrace of old...[Read More]
Ways to help your child with buying their first home
7 March
In today’s economic climate, it’s increasingly common to help your child with their first home. In this article, we’re going to look at three options to help you do this. Why not take a look at the pros and cons of each and choose the...[Read More]
Oliver’s insights – 21 great investment quotes
6 March
Introduction Investing can be scary and confusing at times. But the basic principles of successful investing are timeless and quotes from experts help illuminate these. This note revisits a series on insightful quotes on investing I first started a...[Read More]
Economy hit by rates and inflation
6 March
Australia’s economy limped across the 2023 finish line as financially-strained households pinched pennies and prioritised essentials over nice-to-haves. The economy expanded 0.2 per cent in the three months to December – broadly in line with...[Read More]
A guide to managing personal finances
29 February
The importance of personal financial planning can’t be overstated, regardless of your age. Proper financial planning can offer a safety net for you and your family while giving you the freedom to make informed choices. Many adults worry about...[Read More]
A seasonal home maintenance checklist to ensure your property is in the best condition all year long
29 February
A lot of property owners take a very casual approach to the upkeep and repair of their house or building. They usually wait for something to break, clog, overflow, leak, jam or fail catastrophically before addressing the problem. Others are...[Read More]
Oliver’s insights – Seven key charts for investors to watch – where are they now?
28 February
Key points – Shares have made it to record highs this year but after strong gains are a bit vulnerable to a near term pull back. – However, we remain upbeat on a 12-month view as falling inflation allows rate cuts and hopefully recession is...[Read More]
Consumer price index steady at 3.4 per cent in January
28 February
Australia’s consumer price index held steady at 3.4 per cent in the 12 months to January, coming in below expectations. The index had been widely expected to rise by 3.6 per cent on an annual basis, when the data was released by the Australian...[Read More]
Property investing – residential vs. commercial real estate
22 February
In the realm of property investment, prospective investors often grapple with comparing residential vs commercial real estate. Both offer viable investment opportunities, but they also come with their own unique advantages and drawbacks. Hence,...[Read More]
Why you need to do something you love every single day
22 February
Engaging in activities that you love is not only enjoyable but also offers a multitude of benefits that can enrich your life in various ways. So, if you’re on the fence about indulging one or some of your life’s passions, here are some...[Read More]