Challenges ahead for broker industry but consumer confidence points to career and business opportunities

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Although the finance and mortgage broker sector has undergone many structural changes in past years (with more to come), it has also been the beneficiary of consumer disenchantment with the... Read more continue reading

Despite pullback, the case for EM bonds remains strong

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Investor sentiment on emerging markets has swung negative in recent weeks on concerns over tariffs, trade, global growth and a resurgent U.S. dollar. “However, we believe the long-term case for... Read more continue reading

New prices for ASIC regulatory services

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The fees ASIC charges for specific regulatory activities have changed to reflect the actual cost to ASIC associated with the work. In most cases this has resulted in a fee... Read more continue reading

Weekly market update – week ending 6 June, 2018

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Investment markets and key developments over the past week Trade war fears continued to cause nervousness over the last week, weighing on Chinese, Japanese and Asian shares generally but US... Read more continue reading

Next steps in SMSF audit policy proposal crucial

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Federal Treasury’s decision to release a discussion paper on the proposed three-yearly audit cycle for some self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) has been welcomed by the SMSF Association. The proposal to... Read more continue reading

ASIC requires compliance with restrictions on use of ‘independent’

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ASIC is continuing to monitor the financial advice industry’s use of restricted terms ‘independent’ and ‘independently owned’, taking steps to intervene when it identifies concerns. Following surveillance of industry websites,... Read more continue reading

US-China trade war creating market uncertainty

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Concerns about US President Donald Trump’s foreign policy initiatives, particularly over trade, took a back seat in May – but they didn’t go away. Trump’s stance has since become ever... Read more continue reading

CommSec Research: Construction jobs growth at 17-month low

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Performance of Construction Construction gauge: The Performance of Construction index (PCI) fell from 54.0 points in May to 50.6 points in June – the 17th consecutive month of expansion, but the lowest... Read more continue reading

FPA calls for financial advice education to be recognised by FASEA

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The Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) submitted recommendations to the Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA) on Friday 29 June in response to its consultation paper on the... Read more continue reading

Funds are still learning to manage their digital member facing channels: Investment Trends Member Engagement Report

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Leading research firm Investment Trends has released its latest Member Engagement Report – an in-depth survey of the engagement channels, activities, transaction and advice services provided by Australian superannuation funds... Read more continue reading