Flood levy proposed – but is it necessary?

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Economic issues The Prime Minister has proposed a levy on higher-income Australians to assist in meeting the damage bill from the east coast floods. The levy will apply in 2011/12... Read more continue reading

Why are Australian shares lagging? Will it continue?

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Key points Australian shares have disappointingly underperformed traditional global shares over the last year on the back of monetary tightening, worries about a housing bubble, the strong $A and Chinese... Read more continue reading

Investor Signposts: Week Beginning January 30 2011

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The big picture With the first Reserve Bank Board meeting for 2011 scheduled for next Tuesday, it’s opportune to do a stock take of our current economic fortunes. First there... Read more continue reading

Wealth hits record highs; Debt slides again

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Modellers’ Database: Wealth & debt Wealth is at record highs. Wealth held by Australians in property, shares and other assets hit record highs at the end of September. The latest... Read more continue reading

MCCA Welcomes New Board Members & Celebrates Significant Business Achievements

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At the 2010 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the MCCA Group that was held late last year, Dr. Aladin Zayegh on behalf of the Chairman Dr. Akhtar Kalam welcomed Mr.... Read more continue reading

ETF usage to surge to $6bn in AUM in 2011, Russell says

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Three new issuers and 15 new ETFs could come to market Exchange mergers could be game changers for local ETF market The Australian Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) market is expected... Read more continue reading

Petrol pain; Tame business inflation

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Producer price index; Weekly petrol price The broad measure of business inflation – the producer price index (PPI) – rose by just 0.1 per cent in the December quarter, well... Read more continue reading

Sales strengthen as growth continues for retailers

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CBA Business Spending index The Commonwealth Bank Business Sales Indicator (BSI) was unchanged in trend terms in December after previously falling for twelve straight months. But the weakness remains narrowly... Read more continue reading

Financial advisers recognised through the 2010 Hillross Awards Program

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The 2010 Hillross Awards Program has recognised advisers and advisory firms across the country for their high levels of professionalism, wealth management expertise, customer service and business efficiency. The awards... Read more continue reading

Weekly market & economic update – 21 January 2011

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Headline developments An acceleration in Chinese economic growth in the December quarter to an estimated annualised pace of around 12% along with ongoing inflation worries have reinforced the case for... Read more continue reading