News image: Aussies Can Save Big by Cutting Small Luxuries Aussies Can Save Big by Cutting Small Luxuries
Wed, 15 Jan: A recent study by the National Australia Bank (NAB) highlights how making small lifestyle adjustments can significantly impact household finances. By forgoing frequent coffee runs and opting for home-cooked meals, Australian families can potentially save an impressive $330 per month. - read more
News image: Private Equity's Bold Move into Australian Super Funds Private Equity's Bold Move into Australian Super Funds
Wed, 15 Jan: In a notable shift in the landscape of Australia's superannuation sector, private equity firms are increasingly targeting superannuation funds, stirring both excitement and caution among stakeholders. The latest headline comes from Insignia Financial, where CEO Scott Hartley finds himself the center of attention as competing private equity bidders manifest interest in the business he is revitalizing. - read more
News image: Consumer Confidence Takes a Hit Amid Economic Uncertainty Consumer Confidence Takes a Hit Amid Economic Uncertainty
Wed, 15 Jan: In a recent shift, consumer sentiment has experienced a noticeable decline as January brings a wave of pessimism about the economy. This change in mood among consumers could signal challenges ahead for various sectors, particularly in retail and discretionary spending. - read more
News image: Broker Sentenced for Fraudulent Builders’ Insurance Scheme Broker Sentenced for Fraudulent Builders’ Insurance Scheme
Wed, 15 Jan: In a significant legal crackdown, a broker has been sentenced for his involvement in selling fraudulent builders’ warranty insurance to construction firms in New South Wales. This case underscores the urgent need for regulatory vigilance in the insurance sector. - read more
News image: Retail Giants Face a Tough Holiday Season Amid Economic Strain Retail Giants Face a Tough Holiday Season Amid Economic Strain
Tue, 14 Jan: Shares of Premier Investments and Myer faced significant declines following disappointing trading updates highlighting the struggles faced during the critical Christmas sales period. Investors reacted sharply, with Premier’s shares dropping by 14.6% and Myer’s falling by 18%. - read more
News image: ASIC Unveils Updated Guidance to Strengthen Financial Advice Standards ASIC Unveils Updated Guidance to Strengthen Financial Advice Standards
Tue, 14 Jan: The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has rolled out a fresh set of guidelines aimed at enhancing the quality of financial advice in the wake of significant legislative reforms. This move aligns with the recently enacted Treasury Laws Amendments (Delivering Better Financial Outcomes and Other Measures) Act 2024, which is designed to foster better financial outcomes for consumers. - read more
News image: Super Funds Shine with Impressive Returns Super Funds Shine with Impressive Returns
Tue, 14 Jan: Pension funds across Australia are celebrating remarkable financial success, revealing double-digit returns for the previous financial year. Among the leaders in this trend are TelstraSuper and Colonial First State (CFS), both of which have surpassed expectations and set new benchmarks for superannuation performance. - read more
News image: Adviser Qualifications Surge as 2026 Deadline Approaches Adviser Qualifications Surge as 2026 Deadline Approaches
Tue, 14 Jan: With the looming 2026 deadline for financial advisers to upgrade their qualifications, nearly 3,000 existing advisers in Australia are ramping up efforts to meet educational requirements. The industry is seeing a significant influx of postgraduate students aiming to secure their credentials by January 1st, 2026. - read more
News image: Smart Strategies for Homeowners as Rate Cuts Loom Smart Strategies for Homeowners as Rate Cuts Loom
Tue, 14 Jan: With the financial landscape constantly evolving, Australian homeowners are bracing for potential changes as interest rate cuts become a topic of discussion among economic analysts. As we move towards 2025, several financial experts are urging homeowners to prepare for a new phase of mortgage management, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning. - read more
News image: LA Wildfires Set to Shatter Insurance Loss Records LA Wildfires Set to Shatter Insurance Loss Records
Tue, 14 Jan: Recent wildfires in Los Angeles are projected to lead to unprecedented insured losses, potentially exceeding $20 billion USD (approximately $33 billion AUD). This alarming situation underscores the escalating risks associated with natural disasters, as communities brace for the fallout from this catastrophic event. - read more
News image: Top Four ETF Issuers Lead Record-Breaking Flows in 2024 Top Four ETF Issuers Lead Record-Breaking Flows in 2024
Mon, 13 Jan: A recent report from VanEck highlights a significant milestone for the Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) sector, revealing that the industry set new records in 2024, driven predominantly by a handful of leading providers. - read more
News image: Kickstart Your Retirement: Essential Superannuation Checks Kickstart Your Retirement: Essential Superannuation Checks
Mon, 13 Jan: The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) is urging Australians to prioritize their retirement planning as the new year unfolds. A simple 'check-up' on superannuation accounts could lead to significant long-term benefits for retirees. - read more
News image: Australian Dollar Decline: Economic Impacts and Opportunities Australian Dollar Decline: Economic Impacts and Opportunities
Mon, 13 Jan: The Australian dollar has faced significant depreciation recently, sinking to its lowest level in nearly five years. This decline raises important questions about its implications not only for the economy but also for consumers and businesses alike. - read more
News image: Collaboration is Crucial for Navigating Retirement Income Options Collaboration is Crucial for Navigating Retirement Income Options
Wed, 08 Jan: As the landscape of retirement income products becomes increasingly intricate, industry funds are urged to enhance their collaboration with financial advisers. This partnership is vital for effectively addressing the diverse needs of retiring members. - read more
News image: Navigating the Complex Financial Landscape of 2025 Navigating the Complex Financial Landscape of 2025
Wed, 08 Jan: The upcoming year holds significant challenges for financial advisers as they grapple with shifting market dynamics, legislative reforms, and technology advancements. A group of financial experts has outlined the risks that businesses will face, emphasizing proactive strategies to manage these complexities. - read more
News image: Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Draws Controversy with New Branch Withdrawal Fees Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Draws Controversy with New Branch Withdrawal Fees
Wed, 08 Jan: Bendigo and Adelaide Bank has recently come under fire after implementing a new fee structure that charges customers $2.50 for cash withdrawals at branches, marking a significant shift as the bank attempts to navigate the current economic climate. This decision follows in the footsteps of the Commonwealth Bank, which faced backlash for a similar fee hike late last year. - read more
News image: Catastrophe Bonds: The Future of Cyber Risk Management Catastrophe Bonds: The Future of Cyber Risk Management
Tue, 07 Jan: As digital threats escalate, the financial sector is looking at innovative methods to enhance cyber risk management, with catastrophe bonds emerging as a pivotal tool. The Geneva Association emphasizes the necessity of alternative risk transfer solutions to mitigate the burgeoning cyber protection gap. - read more
News image: 2025: A Promising Year for Australian Small Caps, Analysts Predict 2025: A Promising Year for Australian Small Caps, Analysts Predict
Tue, 07 Jan: As the financial landscape evolves, experts are looking ahead to 2025 with optimism for Australian small cap stocks, which are predicted to regain their footing after a lackluster performance in 2024. This forecast is based on a robust analysis by Phillip Hudak, a co-Portfolio Manager at Maple-Brown Abbott, a leading investment management firm. - read more
News image: Rest Super Fund Celebrates Impressive Returns for 2024 Rest Super Fund Celebrates Impressive Returns for 2024
Tue, 07 Jan: Rest Superannuation Fund has delivered commendable calendar year returns, showcasing double-digit growth across its range of investment options. For 2024, the default MySuper Growth option achieved an impressive return of 11.19%, solidifying its reputation in the competitive superannuation market. - read more
News image: Housing Affordability Crisis Hits Home: Insights on the Australian Market Housing Affordability Crisis Hits Home: Insights on the Australian Market
Tue, 07 Jan: In an unexpected turn of events, Australian housing prices have seen a rise over the past two years, despite the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) increasing interest rates by 4.25%. This anomaly has posed significant challenges for prospective homebuyers struggling with rising mortgage costs. - read more
News image: Insured Value Disputes: A Closer Look at Claims Resolution Insured Value Disputes: A Closer Look at Claims Resolution
Mon, 06 Jan: A recent case has sparked significant discussion around the complexities of insurance claims, focusing specifically on the insured value of personal items like jewelry. A claimant who had a gold necklace insured for $31,500 found himself at odds with his insurer, QBE, after reporting the item's loss. - read more
News image: Brace for $12 Coffee: A Wake-Up Call for Caffeine Enthusiasts Brace for $12 Coffee: A Wake-Up Call for Caffeine Enthusiasts
Mon, 06 Jan: As the new year unfolds, Australian coffee aficionados may be facing an unexpected jolt to their wallets. Experts project that by the end of 2025, the price for a single cup of coffee could skyrocket to between $8 and $12, prompting many to reconsider how often they indulge in their favorite brew. - read more
News image: Future Fund: A Shift to Purpose-Driven Investments Future Fund: A Shift to Purpose-Driven Investments
Mon, 06 Jan: As Australia looks to align its financial strategies with pressing social and environmental challenges, the Future Fund is poised for a transformative shift. Recently, Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Finance Minister Katy Gallagher announced a strategic pivot in the Future Fund’s investment directives, prompting discussions on the fund's potential role in addressing contemporary issues. - read more
News image: Australians Facing Holiday Debt Hangover Australians Facing Holiday Debt Hangover
Mon, 06 Jan: As the holiday season wraps up, many Australians find themselves grappling with the financial effects of Christmas spending, a burden that is anticipated to last well into the new year. New research indicates that households may collectively accumulate a staggering $2.7 billion in credit card debt as they embrace the lingering aftermath of their festive expenditures. - read more
News image: AMP Ventures into Crypto with Support from Aussie Exchange AMP Ventures into Crypto with Support from Aussie Exchange
Thu, 02 Jan: In a groundbreaking move for Australian super funds, AMP is taking its first steps into cryptocurrency investing, a bold initiative welcomed by BTC Markets, one of Australia’s prominent crypto exchanges. This strategic engagement marks an important moment in the evolution of how traditional financial institutions are beginning to adapt to the digital asset landscape. - read more