July was a relatively uneventful month in financial markets and volatility remained low. Generally speaking, risk assets continued to perform well despite a sharp increase in the oil price. In fact July was the best month for oil since January 2022. Inflation seems to be coming off the boil in most key regions, reducing the … Read more

If you receive the Age Pension, recent changes to means testing for retirees could put more money in your pocket. These changes impact the assessment of certain lifetime income streams that began on or after 1 July 2019 (including any that you take up now). Lifetime income streams There are two main types of lifetime … Read more

Key points – After the rough ride of 2021-22, 2022-23 turned out to be a good one for investors as shares rebounded thanks to falling inflation and hopes rates are near the top. – Shares are at risk of a pull back as central banks remain hawkish and recession risks are high. However, returns over … Read more

Key points A progress report on inflation: Inflation appears to have peaked, led by improvements in core goods prices and rate sensitive sectors like housing. The policy focus has shifted to labour market normalisation where early signs of progress are emerging. Is a soft landing in sight? The Fed remains committed to doing “whatever it … Read more

Economic update May 2023 Investment markets were relatively calm in April, following a period of heightened volatility in March when banking failures in the US and Europe had shaken confidence. Most major share markets closed the month around 2% higher, extending gains in the calendar year to date. Overall there was increasing optimism that major … Read more

Many Australians were fortunate to lock in record low interest rates but this may be drawing to an end. A large portion of mortgages will be approaching the end of their fixed term, leaving many households paying two to three times their current fixed rate. In this article, we’ll explain what to expect when your … Read more

Key views Tightening financial conditions and a return of credit risk have reinforced our risk-off stance. The Credit Suisse deal highlights policymaker actions are negative for bank shareholders and some bondholders. We stay underweight most equities, cut credit to neutral, and prefer short term government bonds. The ongoing bank tumult on both sides of the … Read more

Key points A progress report on inflation: Inflation appears to have peaked, led by improvements in core goods prices and rate sensitive sectors like housing. The policy focus has shifted to labour market normalisation where early signs of progress are emerging. Is a soft landing in sight? The Fed remains committed to doing “whatever it … Read more

After the wild ride experienced by investors in 2022, Perpetual’s Deputy Head of Equities, Anthony Aboud is seeing opportunities in high quality companies which have traditionally been classified as growth stocks. He also notes the decarbonisation trend as a key investment thesis for 2023 and beyond. Looking at the Australian market, which was down just … Read more