Is a crash in Australia’s property market really on its way?
Follow the link below to read AMP Capital’s Dr. Shane Oliver’s view on the matter.
Oliver’s Insights – The Lucky Country Holding Up Pretty Well
In his latest article, Dr. Shane Oliver discusses the performance of Australia’s economy in 2015, and how AMP expects Australia to perform in the year ahead.
The economy grew 3% over 2015 as non-mining activity and export volumes helped offset the slump in mining investments.
Growth is likely to slip back to 2.5% this year, so a further RBA rate cut is still likely, albeit it’s a close call.
Low interest rates, low petrol prices, the boost from the low $A, the improved performance of “low mining” states like NSW and Victoria and the likelihood that the slump in mining investment is getting close to the bottom are reasons not to get too gloomy on Australia and Australian assets.
How emotional investing can affect investment outcomes
What is emotional investing and how can it affect investment outcomes? In this interview, Jeff Rogers delves into the world of emotional investing and provides guidance to help investors avoid some common mistakes.
A share market update from Dr. Shane Oliver
Given the ongoing falls in share markets, we thought you might appreciate a market update.
Dr. Shane Oliver of AMP Capital has written the following article – Shares Hitting Bear Market Territory – The Fear of Fear Itself or Something More Fundamental? – explaining AMP’s opinion on current market conditions, and what we should expect to see going forward.
Five Ways To Simplify Your Life
If managing life’s everyday complexities only seem achievable when you’re daydreaming about the chef, cleaner, personal assistant or nanny that you don’t have, you’re probably not alone.
And, if ‘turbulent’ is the way you’d describe your day-to-day routine, these tips may help you get back the hours you need for the things that matter most.
- Organisation – the Holy Grail
Planning yours or the family’s life can take a lot of headspace so it’s important to unload your brain and write things down – and with technology on your side; being organised doesn’t have to mean being “old school”.
There are plenty of great digital apps available to help you and your family stay on track, some of them allow you to share lists and calendars across all of your devices.
And when it comes to being organised, less can often be more. Why not keep your mail and filing to a minimum by switching to online statements? Going paperless is faster, more convenient and better for the environment.
- Manage your money
Being busy can often be a good excuse to put off small tasks that can help you be better off financially – the key is to start small and pick off the ‘easy’ jobs.
Start with a budget calculator. Be realistic, don’t spend what you haven’t got and automate bills and savings on or near pay day to ensure you’re left with just the right amount of spending money.
Another easy task is consolidating your super. Most of us can say that we’ve changed jobs or moved homes at least once in our lives and this can often result in losing contact with your super fund/s. Having your super in one place means you can stay on track of your retirement savings and avoid multiple fees and charges.
- Work on the inside out
Keeping a focus on your own health and wellbeing may help curb disruptions like illnesses. A balanced meal plan, getting enough sleep and regularly blocking out time for physical activities like the gym or a walk in the park may help with a range of things like increasing your endorphins or improving your mood and energy levels.
If finding the time is a pressure point, consider services like Hello Fresh or Lite ‘n Easy to take care of your meals for you – remember, there are plenty of options and providers so make sure you shop around to find the best one that suits your needs.
Also look at incidental exercise opportunities in your daily routine – like getting off the bus or train one stop early and walking the rest of the way.
- Let someone else do it
If all else fails, outsource. Supermarkets now deliver to your doorstep, so you no longer have to waste hours on the weekend trawling the aisles.
And, don’t forget to delegate. For odd jobs you need help with, check out Airtasker, an online marketplace where you can outsource anything from tidying up your resume to assembling Ikea furniture. Or reach out to the family, older kids can get away with doing more sophisticated chores like mowing the lawns or washing the car.
- De-clutter your home and mind
A tidier home, car, wardrobe and work station can make a big difference. Research reveals that crowded physical spaces impact your ability to focus and relaxi. An added bonus is when you have a place for everything; you’re also less likely to misplace your keys.
Your mind may benefit from space as well. Disconnecting from your phone, emails and social media can be essential for your health, wellbeing and sanity. Venture outside or listen to some good music, catch a comedy or see a friend uninterrupted. It’s important to factor in time for yourself.
We can help you take the load off
Finances can take up a big part of your life, speak to us to explore some of your options. Taking care of your finances may help free you up to do more of what you love.
i Interactions of top-down and bottom-up mechanisms in human visual cortex.
© AMP Life Limited. This provides general information and hasn’t taken your circumstances into account. It’s important to consider your particular circumstances before deciding what’s right for you. Although the information is from sources considered reliable, AMP does not guarantee that it is accurate or complete. You should not rely upon it and should seek qualified advice before making any investment decision. Except where liability under any statute cannot be excluded, AMP does not accept any liability (whether under contract, tort or otherwise) for any resulting loss or damage of the reader or any other person.
The Current Equity Market Declines – An Outlook
AMP have released a short article – The Current Equity Market Declines – An Outlook – about what’s been happening in the markets.
Oliver’s Insights – A Rough Start To The Year… Seven Reasons Not To Get Concerned Though
Follow this link to read the latest article from Dr Shane Oliver.
Oliver’s Insights – The US Federal Reserve Raises Interest Rates
After much delay and much warning, the Fed has finally raised the Fed Funds rate from a range of 0-0.25% to 0.25-0.5%.
The move signals confidence in the ongoing recovery in the US economy after the Global Financial Crisis.
With the Fed decision out of the way, global shares are likely to resume their rising trend, but with US shares a relative under performer. Bond yields are likely to remain low which should be positive for real assets.
Rising US interest rates will help maintain downwards pressure on the value of the Australia Dollar through 2016.
Follow the link below for Dr. Shane Oliver’s full article:
Oliver’s Insights – Review of 2015, Outlook for 2016
2015 has been an eventful year for investors, with worries about China along with a number of other events causing volatility in the markets.
2016 is likely to see continued “okay” but uneven global growth, low inflation and easy monetary conditions. While the US is likely to raise rates gradually, other countries including Australia remain biased to further easing.
Follow the link below to read the full article by Dr. Shane Oliver.
Australian Real Estate: Our View for the Future
Michael Kingcott, AMP Capital’s Head of Property Investment Strategy and Research, shares with us AMP’s view of the commercial real estate market going forward.