The 10 biggest risks for 2018

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The outlooks for 2018 are relatively optimistic, nonetheless, in the interest of a balanced view, here are the 10 biggest risks for 2018: Everything is consensus. Very few views (including... Read more continue reading

First home buyers return; record building work

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Consumer confidence, Housing finance, Building activity Consumer confidence: The Westpac/Melbourne Institute survey of consumer sentiment rose by 1.8 per cent in January – a 4-year high. The index now stands... Read more continue reading

Vacancy rates increase in most cities in December

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Data released by SQM Research this week has revealed the national residential vacancy rate was 2.5% in December 2017, with the number of vacancies Australia-wide increasing to 80,092 – an... Read more continue reading

Call to lift super restrictions on SMSF members working overseas

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Legislative restrictions effectively compel Australians who have self-managed super funds (SMSFs) and are temporarily living overseas to switch to an APRA-regulated fund while they are outside the country, says SMSF... Read more continue reading

IOOF appoints new Head of Adviser Standards, Client Care and Retention

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IOOF continues to evolve and grow, driven by strong organic growth and recent acquisitions. To further enhance its commitment to outstanding client service and quality advice, it has appointed Mark... Read more continue reading

Confident consumers; luxury cars retreat

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New vehicle sales; Consumer sentiment Consumer confidence: The weekly ANZ/Roy Morgan consumer confidence rating rose by 1.2 per cent to 123.5 last week – the highest level in four years and... Read more continue reading

Where are markets headed in 2018 – the view from Legg Mason

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Beware inflation The outlook for investment markets is positive for 2018, but investors need to remain on full alert, according to a report by Legg Mason, one of the world’s... Read more continue reading

SMAs on Macquarie Wrap top $1 billion

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Macquarie has announced its separately managed accounts (SMAs) on the Macquarie Wrap investment platform surpassed $1 billion in funds under administration. This milestone comes only three years after SMAs were... Read more continue reading

ClearView announces significant enhancements to life insurance platform

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Listed diversified financial services company ClearView has made significant enhancements to its life insurance quote and application system, designed to help financial advisers run more efficient businesses and secure cover... Read more continue reading

AMP Capital’s CommIF secures stake in VCCC

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AMP Capital has acquired a 21 per cent stake in the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC) building from funds managed and/or advised by Partners Group on behalf of investors in... Read more continue reading