Advice platforms are emerging as a transformative force in Australia's financial planning sector, according to insights shared at the Financial Newswire’s Advice, Wealth and Super: Rewired 2025 Conference. Industry leaders predict these platforms will leverage their substantial scale and purchasing power to secure better pricing from fund managers, reshaping the landscape of financial services. - read more
Brett Lee's Sydney Beer Co, co-owned with Matt Nable, faces financial turmoil, owing nearly $10 million to over 60 creditors. Even the Australian Taxation Office and the McGrath Foundation, founded by Lee's cricket teammate Glenn McGrath, are on the list of those affected. The company appointed RSM Australia as administrators following unsuccessful expansion efforts into the US just six months after raising $6 million. - read more
Recent findings by Netwealth indicate that the cost of financial advisory services is a significant factor for nearly half of clients discontinuing their adviser relationships. Specifically, 43% of former advised clients cite high costs as a primary concern, especially when they perceive inadequate value for complex financial situations. - read more
A recent release by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) indicates that the monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI) is underwhelming expectations once more. The seasonally adjusted CPI increased by 2.4%, while the CPI excluding volatile items like holiday travel posted a 2.7% rise. Similarly, the annual trimmed mean registered a 2.7% uptick. - read more
Melbourne's property market is experiencing a notable rebound in house prices, driven primarily by value-conscious buyers looking for more affordable options. According to CoreLogic's latest house price report, Melbourne has emerged as the most affordable major capital city in Australia, with a median home price of $772,561 as of February 28, 2025. - read more
The latest labour market statistics from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) presented a mixed picture, despite initial promising indicators. Although the headline unemployment rate in February remained steady at 4.1% (or 4.05% considering unrounded figures), there was an unexpected decline in employment numbers. - read more
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has issued a warning about a potential slowdown in Australia's economic growth over the next two years. This prediction comes against the backdrop of heightened global uncertainty, spurred by trade policies introduced by US President Donald Trump. The OECD projects Australia’s GDP to rise to 1.9% in 2025 but slip slightly to 1.8% in 2026, falling short of earlier expectations laid out in their December report. - read more
CoreLogic's latest preliminary auction results have revealed Sydney's dominant role in Australia's housing rebound, with an impressive clearance rate of 71.4%. This marks the sixth consecutive week that the auction clearance rate in Sydney has surpassed 70%. - read more
US stock markets faced a significant downturn on Tuesday, deepening a selloff not seen in months, fueled by investors' concerns over the latest round of tariff threats and their potential repercussions on the global economy. The S&P 500 reached a critical low, nearing a 10 per cent drop from its record high, reflecting growing market volatility amidst mixed updates on international trade tensions and geopolitical events. - read more
The Reserve Bank of Australia’s recent decision to reduce the official interest rate by 25 basis points to 4.1 per cent in February has invigorated consumer confidence, reaching a three-year high. The upswing in sentiment began in late 2024 but waned slightly over the holiday season. However, March data from the Westpac-Melbourne Institute consumer sentiment index indicates a recovery, driven by the RBA's interest rate cut and easing cost pressures. - read more
Star Entertainment Group has announced a crucial refinancing plan to address its significant debt obligations. The casino operator has forged an exclusivity and process deed with Salter Brothers Capital, signalling a potential $940 million refinancing initiative. This move, if successful, would allow Star to manage its existing debt portfolio effectively and ease the liquidity pressures it currently faces. - read more
In a recent submission to the Treasury, the Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA) has pressed for the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) to adopt a more comprehensive approach when investigating financial service complaints. The FAAA has underscored the need for ASIC to expand its investigation purview beyond individual client files to scrutinize the entire financial services value chain, particularly in instances of significant consumer harm. - read more
Recent research from Fidelity International reveals a significant gender disparity in financial advice uptake and investment confidence. Conducted among over 1,000 Australian consumers aged 18 to 59, the study, titled 'The Next Generation,' highlights that only 16 per cent of women seek financial advisers, compared to 22 per cent of men. A staggering 50 per cent of women cited financial advice costs as a major deterrent. - read more
In an unprecedented turn of events, Tesla's shares have been on a consistent downward trend for seven weeks running—marking the longest losing streak in the company's history since it went public 15 years ago. This slump coincides with Elon Musk's active role in the Trump administration since his move to Washington. On Friday, Tesla's stocks closed at $US270.48 ($428), plummeting over 10% within the week, reaching their lowest since the previous November's election day when shares were at $US251.44. - read more
The Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) deputy governor has firmly defended the recent decision to reduce the official cash rate despite internal warnings about persistent inflation pressures. In February, the RBA lowered the cash rate from 4.35% to 4.10%, a move followed by claims that this contradicted forecasts predicting sustained inflation above the target. - read more
The Australian housing market is experiencing a resurgence following a recent 0.25% interest rate cut by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). This monetary policy change has fueled optimism for further reductions throughout the year, offering a significant boost to the market. - read more
Anthony Albanese, Australia's Prime Minister, has indicated that he has not utilized negative gearing since assuming office, dispelling ongoing speculation. Negative gearing, which allows property investors to offset losses against taxable income, remains a hot topic in Australia's property investment discourse. Despite the legality of this practice, the Prime Minister's prior silence on the matter had invited scrutiny, particularly regarding his $4 million holiday home. - read more
In a recent interview, former Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) governor Philip Lowe addressed the blame often placed on high interest rates for Australia's cost of living issues. Contradicting common perceptions, Dr. Lowe pointed to a lack of productivity growth as the actual source of the problem. Despite decade-high interest rates, he emphasized that these rates have only marginally suppressed demand, while the drag from stagnant productivity over the years has had a much greater impact. - read more
The Reserve Bank of Australia's recent decision to slash interest rates by 0.25% has spurred a significant resurgence in house prices across the nation, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne, after a period of decline. - read more
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Welcome, Australian entrepreneurs and business owners! Whether you're just setting down the foundation of a startup or steering a well-established enterprise, access to capital remains a critical ingredient for business growth and survival. In the bustling economy of Australia, a well-structured business loan can be the catalyst that propels your business forward, aiding in expansion, the acquisition of new equipment, or simply ensuring smooth operational cash flow during lean periods. - read more
Starting and running a business in Australia can be an exhilarating experience, full of opportunities for growth and success. However, it also comes with its fair share of risks and uncertainties. From unexpected natural disasters to potential legal disputes, the threats to the sustainability of a business are ever-present. This is where business insurance becomes pivotal as a protective tool for Australian enterprises. It provides the much-needed safety net to help businesses mitigate potential losses and continue operations with confidence. - read more
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