Finance
Oliver’s Insights – The RBA cuts for the third time – expect a further gradual easing to 2.85%
13 August
Key pointsThe RBA cut its cash rate by 0.25% taking it to 3.6%. This is the third rate cut in this easing cycle.The RBA sees inflation running around target but has revised its growth forecasts down again. Its forecasts assume that the cash rate...[Read More]
Oliver’s insights – Another hawkish RBA hold at 4.35% – expect one more hike later this year
12 August
Key points The RBA left the cash rate on hold at 4.35% for the second meeting in a row. Some softer than expected readings for underlying inflation, jobs and home prices allowed it to remain in wait and see mode as it “assesses” the impact of...[Read More]
Oliver’s Insights – Seven key charts on the state of the Australian property market
23 July
Key pointsThe Australian housing market remains far more complicated than many portray it to be.The Australian housing is cycle is turning up again; falling interest rates are the key driver; along with a chronic undersupply of homes of...[Read More]
Investment markets and key developments – Weekly market update – 07/08/2026
11 August
Global shares had another ripper week with major share markets reaching new all-time highs, before retracing slightly on Thursday as the Iran “deal” seems further away than previously thought. US shares rose 3.6% over the week, with...[Read More]
Oliver’s Insights – Poor Australian productivity – why all the fuss? And what to do about it?
30 July
Key pointsThe last decade has seen productivity stagnate in Australia. This has curtailed growth in living standards and real wages.Policies to boost productivity include: deregulation; more housing supply; a cap on public spending; and tax...[Read More]
Seven things I would tell my younger self about superannuation and investing
6 August
At 60, retirement no longer feels like a distant event. It is close enough to imagine the lifestyle I want, the experiences I hope to enjoy and the financial decisions that will shape the years ahead. Looking back to when I first started work,...[Read More]
Tax planning for business owners: Five questions to ask your accountant
6 August
Tax planning is not simply about finding deductions at the end of the financial year. Effective planning helps business owners understand their position, prepare for upcoming obligations and make informed decisions about cash flow, investment and...[Read More]
3 tips to secure your family finances
6 August
If there’s anything people learned from the recessions and global crises of recent past, it’s that no one is immune to economic upheavals. Even middle to upper-class families are at the mercy of their finances when misfortune strikes. This...[Read More]
Investment markets and key developments – Weekly market update – 31/07/26
5 August
Share markets were mixed over the last week helped by some pull back in oil prices as the US held back from escalting further with Iran, a rebound in tech stocks and specifically chipmakers from oversold levels and the US Fed leaving rates on...[Read More]
Treasurer moves to fix ‘widow’s tax’ after backlash
5 August
The government is moving to fix its so-called “widow’s tax” following criticism its tax reforms denied Australians who inherited an investment property from their partner access to negative gearing concessions. The fix is part of a raft of the...[Read More]
Understanding the taxation of shares: Why your accountant matters
30 July
Investing in shares can be an effective way to build long-term wealth, but it also brings tax obligations that every investor should understand. Whether you own a handful of shares or a diversified investment portfolio, keeping accurate records...[Read More]
Oliver’s insights – The economics of happiness – why it’s been falling & what to do about it?
29 July
Key points Despite rising GDP per person, measures of happiness have been flat to falling in western countries including Australia. Key drivers are likely to be rising expectations, the rise of social media and falling housing affordability. It...[Read More]
Investment markets and key developments – Weekly market update 24/07/2026
29 July
Global investment markets saw another round of volatility over the last week as the Iran War escalated further with Trump talking of a “massive attack” that will be “bigger than ever before”, oil prices surged, expectations for central...[Read More]
Labor backs super boost for youngest Aussie workers
29 July
Labor has backed superannuation payments for Australia’s youngest workers, regardless of the number of hours they work. The party says it will “ensure that all workers, including those under 18 and regardless of how they are engaged, can...[Read More]
‘Build resilience’: refinery touted but discount to end
29 July
Australia’s fuel security could soon be bolstered by a new refinery, but questions have been raised about the business case for the facility. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced plans to look into building Australia’s third oil refinery in...[Read More]