Recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) revealed a historical drop in real per capita household disposable income for Australians, marking an unprecedented fall of around 8% since mid-2022. This decline represents a significant issue, with Australia experiencing the largest decrease in the developed world, according to the OECD. - read more
Australia’s housing market has reached a significant milestone, with the total value of housing stock hitting $11.3 trillion as of April 2025. According to Cotality, formerly CoreLogic, the average home is now valued at $1 million, underscoring the considerable growth in property values. - read more
The Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) reached its highest level in 11 weeks, buoyed by the announcement of a temporary pause in tariff increases between the United States and China. The ASX 200 index climbed 35.50 points, or 0.43%, to 8,269, with standout performances from the energy and information technology sectors. Similarly, the All Ordinaries index saw a rise of 43.70 points, or 0.52%, closing at 8,510.70. The Australian dollar also appreciated, gaining 0.71% to 64.16 US cents. - read more
A recent global survey conducted by the Financial Planning Standards Board reveals a growing trend among Australian financial advisers who see artificial intelligence (AI) as a beneficial tool. The study, which includes perspectives from advisers across 24 markets, highlights that approximately 82% of financial advice businesses in Australia are either currently utilizing, piloting, or planning to incorporate AI within the next year to enhance client services. - read more
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has initiated legal proceedings against Macquarie Securities Limited, accusing the company of engaging in misleading conduct related to the misreporting of short sales. This lawsuit, filed in the NSW Supreme Court, points to a significant duration of alleged misreporting that spanned over 14 years, from December 2009 to February 2024. - read more
In a significant development, Wall Street's three major indices have leapt forward as the S&P 500 reached its highest point since March. This upwards trend follows the announcement of a temporary reduction in tariffs between the United States and China, offering hope for a de-escalation in global trade tensions initiated by US President Donald Trump in April. - read more
Amid pressing concerns from industry associations, the call for rapid finalization of financial advice reforms in Australia has been amplified. The lack of direction from the Labour government regarding the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort (CSLR) is causing uncertainty in the sector, potentially stalling essential reform work. The impending retirement of Stephen Jones has only added to the speculation surrounding the future of these reforms. - read more
Investors are increasingly discovering income prospects in commercial real estate (CRE) without owning property directly. CRE debt investments offer a popular method to generate returns by lending to those requiring capital for commercial property ventures. The investors' gains are derived from borrowing costs, encompassing interest and fees, once fund expenses are deducted. - read more
As global bond yields experience a resurgence, many income-seeking investors face diminishing returns from cash distributions. According to a recent analysis by investment researcher Zenith, a noticeable discrepancy has emerged between the average yields of bond fund portfolios and their actual income distributions. - read more
In a cautious signal to the market, Westpac has recorded a marginal decline in its half-year profit, posting a $3.45 billion result, down by one per cent compared to previous figures. This financial outcome marks the first under the direction of their new CEO, Anthony Miller, who commenced his role in December last year. Westpac has flagged geopolitical unpredictability as a significant ongoing risk, reflecting a challenging environment for the financial sector. - read more
The upcoming interest rate decision by the US Federal Reserve is creating significant anticipation among Australian investors. As the announcement is set for Thursday, the market is particularly keen on understanding the future direction beyond the expected maintenance of the current cash rate, which Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has previously indicated for May. - read more
The Federal Court has imposed a substantial $11 million penalty on a financial advice firm after discovering the firm breached conflicted remuneration regulations. The case revealed that DOD Bookkeeping, formerly Equiti Financial Services, engaged in practices that involved providing standardized advice that improperly favored in-house property investments. - read more
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Starting a small business is an exciting venture, but it requires careful planning to ensure long-term success. One of the foundational steps in this journey is creating a solid business plan. A business plan serves as a roadmap, guiding your actions and decisions as you build and grow your business. - read more
Cash flow refers to the movement of money into and out of a business. This includes revenues from sales, payments to suppliers, salaries, and other operational expenses. Effective cash flow management ensures that a business can meet its financial obligations and invest in growth opportunities. - read more
Australia's franchise sector is a dynamic and significant element of the national economy, offering a myriad of opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. With an array of brands stretching from fast food to retail stores, the franchise landscape in Australia presents a viable path for business ownership under an established model. However, the success of a franchise operation is not solely based on choosing a recognizable brand; it also hinges on deploying the right financial strategies. - read more
Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business, particularly for startups. It refers to the amount of cash that comes in and goes out of a business. Proper management of this flow is crucial for the success and sustainability of new enterprises. Ensuring a positive cash flow allows businesses to meet their financial obligations, invest in growth opportunities, and manage unexpected expenses. - read more
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Knowledgebase
Balloon Payment.: A large loan repayment made in order to clear a debt. Usually applied to a short-term fixed-rate loan, which involves small payments for a certain period of time with one large payment for the remaining amount of the principal at a time specified in the future.
