Finance News
The recently released results of the 2011 Census showed that growth in rental payments was eclipsing growth in mortgage repayments, a fact that is supported by our data with rents growing at a faster pace than values over recent years. The 2011 Census showed that across the nation, median housing loan repayments rose by 38.5%…
Research Note From RBS Morgan Subject: Steel markets irrational behaviour Analyst: James Wilson Todays sharp price drops in the likes of RIO, BHP, FMG and AGO are likely because of recent data out of China suggesting that steel prices have plummeted late last week. We understand that some of the steel being sold…
After several years of poor returns from shares, investors are undoubtedly questioning the prospect of future returns from growth assets. This note looks at whether the “stocks for the long term” approach is still valid for investors with a long term investment horizon. Key points to note are as follows: While rolling 10-year periods occasionally…
An organization whose membership consists of workers and union leaders, united to protect and promote their common interests. The principal purposes of a labor union are to (1) negotiate wages and working condition terms, (2) regulate relations between workers (its members) and the employer, (3) take collective action to enforce the terms of collective bargaining,…
This will be held on Thursday, 26 July 2012 with sessions at 8.15am, 11.15am and 3.30pm (Sydney – AEST). New webinar format! We’ve been looking at ways to make it even easier for you to tune into our monthly adviser briefings. So in addition to the teleconference format, we are now also offering you the…
Two RBA economists, Patrick D’Arcy and Linus Gustafsson have published an analysis of Australian productivity growth (Reserve Bank Bulletin, June Quarter edition 2012). They tell us that growth in productivity is the key driver of growth in per capita income and living standards in the long term. Productivity growth is determined by the development of…
Below is information on the key social security benefits and the relevant thresholds applying at 1 July 2012. Maximum fortnightly pension rates: Under current rules Single: $755.50 (including Pension Supplement amount) Couples (each): $569.50 Under transitional rules Single: $671.20 Couples (each): $542.00 Maximum fortnightly newstart allowance rates Single, 21 or over, no children: $489.70…
Since July 2009, various definitions of income are used when determining eligibility and entitlements to superannuation concessions, tax offsets, or liability for the Medicare Levy and Surcharge. Below we summarise the key income definitions used for superannuation and tax measures applying as at 1 July…
