CommSec State of the States April 2017

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Overall Results How are Australia’s states and territories performing? Each quarter CommSec attempts to find out by analysing eight key indicators: economic growth; retail spending; business investment; unemployment; construction work... Read more continue reading

SMSF Association rejects Labor proposal to ban LRBAs

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The SMSF Association remains supportive of Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangements (LRBAs) in the wake of today’s announcement by the Labor Party to recommend their abolition in line with the Financial... Read more continue reading

ASIC signs fintech Cooperation Agreement with OJK to promote innovation in financial services

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The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and Indonesia’s Otoritas Jasa Keuangan (OJK) have entered a Cooperation Agreement to promote innovation in financial services in their respective markets. The agreement,... Read more continue reading

‘Frexit’ looms over coming French presidential elections

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Philippe Waechter, Chief Economist, Natixis Asset Management looks at the market implications of a “Frexit”: “Currency would be at the very crux of the new framework that France would need... Read more continue reading

Super funds gain as risk outlook eases

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Fundamentals steady, but investors question reflation story Superannuation fund returns were driven higher in March, boosted by continued gains from the Australian share market. The median balanced option posted a... Read more continue reading

AFA opens nominations for 2017 Excellence in Education Award

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The Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) has begun its 2017 search to recognise and reward financial advisers who demonstrate dedicated professionalism and outstanding commitment to lifelong learning, with nominations for... Read more continue reading

Proposed Carnell banking changes a boon for borrowers

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“The Carnell Report into banking practices should provide small business owners with a fairer, more equal relationship with their banks, if changes are accepted. The mooted changes would give clear... Read more continue reading

Economy-wide spending picks up pace

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Commonwealth Bank Business Sales Index The Commonwealth Bank Business Sales Indicator (BSI) – a measure of economy-wide spending – rose by 0.6 per cent in trend terms in March –... Read more continue reading

What if dwelling prices were included in the CPI?

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House price cycles are not captured in the CPI because the cost of land is excluded from the consumer basket. The CPI is a poor barometer of changes in the... Read more continue reading

AFA launches its 2017 Awards Program

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The Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) 2017 Awards Program, now in its 14th year, is set to begin its search for outstanding achievers across the financial advice industry.  The AFA... Read more continue reading