Where is the recession

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

What to do when your fixed rate home loan term is ending

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

Credit risk in focus amid bank tumult

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

Where is the Recession?

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

The opportunities in energy transition

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

Five charts on investing to keep in mind in rough times

Key points Successful investing can be really difficult in times like now with immense uncertainty around inflation, interest rates, issues in global banks and recession risks impacting the outlook for investment markets. This makes it all the more important to stay focused on the basic principles of successful investing. These five charts focus on critical … Read more

Expanding SMSFs for the expanding family?

It has finally happened. Recommended by the Cooper Super System review in 2010, put forward in the Federal Budget four years ago by then Treasurer Scott Morrison and finally passed on 17 June 2021, the maximum amount of members allowed in a Self Managed Super Fund (SMSF) has expanded from four to six. Despite the … Read more

What causes market movements?

What causes market movements?

When the news is filled with headlines about market movements, it’s normal to feel a bit anxious. Here are three things to keep in mind the next time share markets aren’t behaving the way you’d like them to. Markets constantly go up and down As long as we’ve had share markets, we’ve had share market … Read more

The 2023-24 Budget

Return to surplus with fastest improvement since end of WW2, cost of living help but structural deficits remain (albeit smaller). Key points The budget this year is expected to return to a surplus of $4b thanks to a continuing revenue windfall. Key measures include cost of living support, more spending on aged care and a … Read more