At its meeting today, the Board decided to leave the cash rate unchanged at 4.25 per cent.

Please click here for full article.

Oliver's Insights is special commentary by Dr Shane Oliver, Chief Economist and Head of Investment Strategy, on issues and trends affecting the economy and financial markets.

Please click here for full article.

With the Eurpoean debt issues continuring to put pressure on global and domestic sharemarkets, here are answers to questions you may have.

Please click here for full article. 

Statement by Glenn Stevens, Governor: Monetary Policy Decision 

At its meeting today, the Board decided to lower the cash rate by 25 basis points to 4.5 per cent, effective 2 November 2011

Please click here for full article.

To assist you in keeping you informed of the current market performance, courtesy of Zurich, we have created a short video, hosted by Elliot Bullock, their Investments Specialist. In this easy-to-understand video, Elliot explores:

• the outlook for global growth
• the latest from the United States and Europe and what this means for Australia 
• the likelihood of an interest rate cut 
• the impact of a high Australian dollar

Please click here for video.

Statement by Glenn Stevens, Governor: Monetary Policy Decision

At its meeting today, the Board decided to leave the cash rate unchanged at 4.75 per cent.

Please click here for full article.

Please find attached a copy of Matthew Sherwood's September edition of Perpetual Perspective.

This months edition discusses the debt issues in Europe and the impact this region is having on both the global and domestic markets. 

 

Perspective_September_2011_Client_version.pdf

I’m writing to you about recent events in the Australian and global markets over the past few weeks. You may have read the recent headlines about the dramatic falls in share markets around the world. It’s important to put these developments in the context of your longer-term financial plan, so I’ve attached an update with some questions and answers to help you understand what’s causing this volatility.

What’s happened in the financial markets?

Global markets have retreated on average approximately 20% since May, predominantly due to several key factors:

• European Sovereign Debt. Europe remains in a state of flux as ongoing fears that Greece will default on it’s debt persist
• Greece ‘Contagion’. There are fears that the problems in Greece will spread to other parts of the region. These concerns have gathered momentum in recent days as credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s downgraded Italian Sovereign debt
• United States economy. In the United States, economic conditions remain sluggish with consumer spending, manufacturing and general levels of growth all under pressure while unemployment remains elevated above 9%. Historically, the United States consumer has contributed to over 30% of global growth. Poor consumer sentiment is not only worrying for the US growth, but also broader global growth.
• China and a lack of clarity around general policy measures. Adding to these problems are some signs of economic strain in China and a general feeling that policy makers are not delivering credible solutions to these issues, particularly in Europe and the US.

Will things get better?

We expect that these economic challenges will persist for some time and possibly deteriorate further before improving. However we believe that the possibility of wide spread global economic recession, jobs loss and earnings retractions as currently suggested by many market commentators are overstated. We are confident that the resolve, experience and collaboration of world policy makers will help steer global markets and economies back on track in the medium to long term (though this may take time).

Furthermore, Australia retains a relative position of strength, with low unemployment, strong corporate and household balance sheets, a sound financial system and forecasted economic growth of around 1.8% over the next year (International Monetary Fund, 2011).

So what should I do?

At times like these it’s really important to stay calm. Remember some of the fundamental principles of investing, such as making sure you have a diversified portfolio, and investing for the long term.

By taking a long-term approach to investing, you give your investments time to recover from the downswings that are a natural part of any investment cycle.

I’m here to help you manage risk and look at your long-term financial strategy. This is the best way to build and preserve wealth, so please don’t hesitate to contact me on 07 4638 5011 to discuss your situation and to clarify any questions you may have.

Kind regards,

Naomi and all of the team at Achieveit

This information does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and so you should consider its appropriateness having regard to these factors before acting on it.

Statement by Glenn Stevens, Governor: Monetary Policy Decision

At its meeting today, the Board decided to leave the cash rate unchanged at 4.75 per cent.

Please click here for full article.

Cash still dominates many investment portfolios indicating that Australians are still wary about investing in equities. The ongoing uncertainty facing sharemarkets has investors spooked and is the very reason why the appetite for term deposits remains sky high.

Please click here for a comprehensive video from Zurich outlining the pros and cons of cash versus shares.

 

This flyer outlines key questions and answers to give you a greater insight into the current market conditions being experienced locally and abroad.

Market_volatility_Q_Ax.pdf

Following the sharp decline in the equity markets, attached is a Special Market Update from eQR securities.

Please be aware that we are watching this volatility closely so if have any concerns with your portfolio's, please do not hesitate to contact the office on 07 4638 5011.

Market_Volatility_Update_5.8.11.pdf

Statement by Glenn Stevens, Governor: Monetary Policy Decision

At its meeting today, the Board decided to leave the cash rate unchanged at 4.75 per cent.

This call to keep rate unchanged comes despite last week's elevated inflation figure. The RBA Board felt with a sense of uncertainty in the global economy it would be purdent to refrain from any further monetary tightening for the time being and maintain a watch on the evolving outlook for growth and inflation.

Please click here for full article.

Statement by Glenn Stevens, Governor: Monetary Policy Decision

At its meeting today, the Board decided to leave the cash rate unchanged at 4.75 per cent.

Click here for full article.

Statement by Glenn Stevens, Governor: Monetary Policy Decision

At its meeting today, the Board decided to leave the cash rate unchanged at 4.75 per cent.

Click here for full article.

inflation_no_deterrent_for_Chindia_bulls.pdf

We have created a short video, hosted by our own renowned economic commentator Patrick Noble, Senior Investment Specialist. In just a few minutes, Pat shares his outlook in a simple-to-understand manner that answers the big questions;

• How have local and global Sharemarkets performed recently?

• Where should we invest - domestically or overseas?

• Will Australia face higher inflation in 2011?

• Will interest rates go higher in 2011?

• Will the Australian Dollar continue to perform well?

Click here to view video 

Statement by Glenn Stevens, Governor: Monetary Policy Decision

At its meeting today, the Board decided to leave the cash rate unchanged at 4.75 per cent.

Click here for full article.

A large number of Australian retirees are unprepared for retirement with many regretting not putting more money into their superannuation during their working life, an industry report has found.

Click here for full article.

Quantitative analysis helps explain why the global financial crisis (GFC) has passed, says Ron Bewley.

Click here for full article.

Forget the GFC, says Frank Gelber. Financial markets are undervalued and it’s time to look forward.

Click here for full article.

Statement by Glenn Stevens, Governor: Monetary Policy Decision

At its meeting today, the Board decided to leave the cash rate unchanged at 4.75 per cent.

Click here for full article.

Statement by Glenn Stevens, Governor: Monetary Policy Decision

At its meeting today, the Board decided to leave the cash rate unchanged at 4.75 per cent.

Click here for full article.

Statement by Glenn Stevens, Governor: Monetary Policy Decision

At its meeting today, the Board decided to leave the cash rate unchanged at 4.75 per cent.

Click here for full article

Statement by Glenn Stevens, Governor: Monetary Policy Decision

At its meeting today, the Board decided to leave the cash rate unchanged at 4.75 per cent.

Click here for full article

Statement by Glenn Stevens, Governor: Monetary Policy Decision

At its meeting today, the board of directors decided to raise the cash rate by 25 basis points to 4.75%, effective 3 November 2010.

Click here for full article.

 

The family portrait edition

Wealth is something an individual will generall work hard to achieve. this edition explains how by sharing experience and knowledge gained over the years with family members, can help the whole family make sound financial decisions.

It discusses what steps can be taken to ensure strong, solid foundations for a family's financial future? We also present a snapshot of strategies you can recommend to promote healthy growth and protect their wealth and thier family, no matter what life stage they are at.

Please click here to view.

Zurich Investments have created a short video, hosted by renowned economic commentator Matthew Drennan, General Manager of Zurich Investments. In only six minutes, Matthew shares his outlook in a simple-to-understand manner that answers the big questions;

• Are we likely to see a double dip recession in the US?
• Will interest rates go even higher in 2011?
• Should we be investing in Australia or Overseas?
• How high will the Australian Dollar go?
• Why is our market not stronger given our economy is?

Click here to view the video

Statement by Glenn Stevens, Governor: Monetary Policy Decision

At its meeting today, the Board decided to leave the cash rate unchanged at 4.5 per cent.

For full article click here.

 

Statement by Glenn Stevens, Governor: Monetary Policy Decision

At its meeting today, the Board decided to leave the cash rate unchanged at 4.5 per cent.

For full article click here

Feature_Article_-_Shane_Oliver_Aug_2010.pdf

Global equity markets have faced a turbulent month, with Australia being no exception. Since reaching a twelve month high in mid April of 5001.90 points, the S&P/ASX 200 has fallen nearly 14% to a mark just above 4300 as at Friday 21 May 2010. The downward trend has accelerated in the past week and you may be feeling less confident as a result of the uncertainties facing the Euro zone and the impact of proposed government regulatory changes both domestically and abroad.

Read more in the link below.

Domestic_Equity_Markets_21.05.10.pdf

Federal_Budget_Report_May_2010.pdf

322 K

Shares at New Recovery Highs - is it sustainable? Click here to find out more.

Matthew Drennan, the General Manager of Zurich Investments gives you simple to understand answers to your questions about the Global Financial Crisis in a short video available here.

March 2010

Welcome_to_a_new_beginning_-_Summer_09-10.pdf

Spring Newsletter 2011

Winter 2011 Newsletter

Summer Newsletter 2010/11

Spring Newsletter 2010

Revising the 'Worry List' for Investors

Beginning of 2010 Newsletter

Posted by: Simon Hoyle, Professional Planner

Clients of financial planners are significantly better off and save more than people who are not clients, new analysis has found. The analysis, commissioned by the Investment and Financial Services Association of Australia (IFSA) and conducted by KPMG Econtech, has found that financial planners have a very strong positive influence on individuals’ savings habits and patterns. People who are clients of financial planners save, on average, about $2500 a year more than people who are not clients.

In addition, the analysis has found that people who are clients of a financial planner have, on average, savings and investment account balances more than $8000 greater than people who are not clients.

Read More...