Smallest budget deficit in nine months

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In the year to February, the budget deficit stood at $37,992 million (around 2.6 per cent of GDP), the smallest deficit in nine months. What do the figures show? The... Read more continue reading

Credit cards slide from favour

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The average credit card balance fell by a record 2.5 per cent in the year to February. The average credit card limit rose by just 1.4 per cent in the... Read more continue reading

MLC Limited commits to BlueMountain Credit Alternatives

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BlueMountain Capital Management, a private investment firm with more than $14.5 billion in assets under management, has won its first mandate in Australia.  MLC, one of the country’s leading asset... Read more continue reading

It’s unlikely, but there could still be super changes in the Budget

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While the government hasn’t ruled out making further super changes in the Federal Budget, and it is unlikely any additional changes will affect current financial year plans for investors, anyone... Read more continue reading

Weekly economic and market update

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It was back to “risk on” over most of the past week as the positive impetus provided by Japan’s monetary reflation, good Chinese economic data and a reasonable start to... Read more continue reading

Oliver’s Insights: another mid year bout of weakness in shares?

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This edition of Oliver’s Insights looks at the outlook for shares following recent wobbles. The key points are as follows: After strong gains shares are at risk of a correction... Read more continue reading

New technology gives frequent traders an edge

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CMC Markets is keeping its clients on top of their game with upgrades to its platform – including a new client sentiment tool that provides visibility and valuable insights into... Read more continue reading

CTA/Macro Funds imperative for portfolio diversification

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Zenith has just released its 2013 CTA / Macro Sector findings. According to Daniel Liptak, Head of Alternatives, “With the performance of many CTA’s struggling over the last 18 – 24... Read more continue reading

Unemployment rate lifts to 3½-year high

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Employment fell by 36,200 in March after lifting by 74,000 jobs in February (previously reported as up 71,500). Economists had expected a fall of 10,000 in jobs in March. In... Read more continue reading

Fewer super fund members fall foul of concessional contribution caps

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The number of excess concessional contributions and excess non-concessional breaches of the relevant caps fell in 2010-11. SMSF Professionals’ Association of Australia (SPAA) Technical Director Graeme Colley says: “Members of... Read more continue reading