Hybrid vehicle sales speed up while petrol loses spark

17 April

Sales of hybrid cars have more than doubled in Australia during the past year in a trend that is eating away at the popularity of petrol and diesel vehicles. Hybrid vehicle sales have jumped by as much as 60 per cent in some states and territories...[Read More]

Reasons why early estate planning is crucial

11 April

Estate planning is an essential yet often overlooked aspect of financial planning. For many Australians, it is seen as something to be dealt with later in life, if at all.   However, estate planning should begin as early as possible to ensure a...[Read More]

Business interruption insurance

11 April

A crucial though sometimes overlooked safeguard, business interruption insurance provides financial protection for companies facing unexpected disruptions.   But who exactly is it for? The short answer: any business that wants to ensure continuity...[Read More]

Unlocking Productivity: Strategies for Overcoming Obstacles and Boosting Self-Motivation

11 April

In our fast-paced world, it’s not uncommon to find ourselves overwhelmed by tasks, deadlines, and personal commitments. This avalanche of responsibilities can often leave us feeling stuck, struggling to tick items off our to-do...[Read More]

Empowering women through financial literacy: Taking control of your wealth and future

11 April

Navigating the complexities of personal finance is essential for anyone looking to secure their financial future, make sound investment choices, manage debt effectively, and plan for eventualities.    This is particularly crucial in the context of...[Read More]

Caravan lifestyle in Australia

11 April

A rising number of Australians are searching for alternative life experiences that provide them with a sense of independence from city life and a connection to nature.   Caravan living can be for you if you’re looking for new experiences or wish...[Read More]

Higher taxes on foreigners pitched to free up homes

11 April

Foreign buyers could be slugged with higher taxes for buying existing NSW homes as the government looks for ways to address the housing crisis. NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said the state was grappling with a problem of overseas investors leaving...[Read More]

Investment markets and key developments – Weekly market update 05/04/24

11 April

Global sharemarkets were under pressure, with a lot of volatility this week. Good news on economic data was somewhat bad news for markets early in the week. Signs of a stronger US economy questioned market pricing of ~3 Fed rate cuts by end-2024...[Read More]

Oliver’s insights – Seven things you need to know about the Australian property market

11 April

Key points – The Australian housing market remains far more complicated than optimists and doomsters portray it to be. – Australian housing is expensive and highly indebted; but it’s very diverse; mortgage arrears remain low; interest rates...[Read More]

Jobs bonanza for regions under clean energy blueprint

11 April

Some 60,000 jobs in solar panel manufacturing and $82 billion in turbine tower production by 2050 are in the wind if Australia becomes a clean energy superpower. Manufacturing will also get a shot in the arm from port-side construction plants,...[Read More]

Hefty fines, tougher code could cut grocery prices: PM

11 April

Supermarkets could be slapped with millions in fines under a mandatory code of conduct in a move the prime minister believes will reduce prices at the checkout. An interim review of the voluntary Food and Grocery Code, which governs how supermarkets...[Read More]

Building costs ease as demand for construction slows

11 April

Builders and tradies have been battling fast-rising prices for materials and labour but data suggests price growth is slowing. The slowdown in new construction, with dwelling approvals trending below average, has helped dampen growth in costs,...[Read More]

Jobs bright spot for consumers as economy teeters

11 April

Consumers remain upbeat about their jobs prospects even as the weakening economy is prompting households to tighten belts. The latest round of consumer surveys from Westpac and Melbourne Institute recorded a deeper dive into pessimism in April...[Read More]

Public servants win push for extra reproductive leave

10 April

A new pay deal for Victoria’s public servants will be put to a final vote, with an extra five days of reproductive leave on the table for women. The four-year Victorian public service wage offer includes annual pay rises of three per cent in line...[Read More]

Tradie shortage for bid to build 1.2m homes

10 April

Australia is forecast to fall well short of a landmark national goal to build 1.2 million homes in five years. Building and construction industry forecasts released on Tuesday estimated about 1.09 million new homes would be started in five years...[Read More]