My Budget Thoughts

Posted on Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Firstly, I have made very public my issue with tinkering with superannuation and we are happy to see Treasurer Swan has avoided changes that would reduce incentives and benefits of the superannuation system. We endorse a sensible introduction of changes to encourage people to save for their retirement with greater certainty. Myself and the FPA encourages all working Australians to become self-funded in retirement and we welcome the changes made to the superannuation caps and to the excess contributions tax which will assist with this. Read the rest of entry »

2 Minute Wrap Up Of 2012

Posted on Sunday, December 30, 2012
As the peak in mining investment draws near, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) cut the official cash rate in an attempt to stimulate the non-mining sector of the economy and provide support to the broader economy. There is a strong possibility of further rate cuts in 2013 because we expect GDP to expand by around 2.9% by the end of 2013, well below trend and the current pace. However, the risk is that growth may be much lower due to negative external factors rather than for domestic reasons. Read the rest of entry »

The Risks In Buying Property Off The Plan

Posted on Thursday, August 16, 2012
Much to my surprise as an adviser buying of the plan continues to be a popular strategy for new investors, but do they really understand the risks involved? Whilst the excitement of being able to choose your floor plan and color schemes may seem appealing, the end result is often less than desired and there are a number of common pitfalls you need to be aware of. Read the rest of entry »

European Leaders Agree on Long-term Union

Posted on Friday, June 29, 2012
Brussels (AP) -- European leaders have agreed to use the continent's permanent bailout fund to recapitalize struggling banks, and agreed to the idea of a tighter union in the long term.

The bank decision at overnight meetings in Brussels on Friday was aimed at helping Spain, which sought a €100 billion rescue to help its troubled banks and is facing rising borrowing costs. Read the rest of entry »

10 Key Questions For Investors

Posted on Monday, March 26, 2012
Aussie equities have enjoyed a solid reporting season and a more confident start to 2012. Risk appetite appears to be returning as evidenced by recent investment flows from Bond to Equity markets. RBS Morgans’ key picks for 2012 have so far outperformed the Large Cap index by 4.1% and the Small Cap Index by 19.4%. It’s a cliché, but investors need to remain circumspect, be selective and take profits where appropriate. We discuss 10 common questions topical to current markets Read the rest of entry »