One-stop shop for renters

September 22, 2015

One-stop shop for renters

The rental property market is becoming one of the fastest growing segments of the Australian property market as increasing numbers of Australians turn away from home ownership. After more than a decade of spectacular growth in residential house prices, housing affordability is out of reach for many Australians. One small bright spot for those seeking […]

Continue Reading

Increasing competition in mobile games

September 15, 2015

Increasing competition in mobile games

The mobile games market is experiencing extraordinary gains with  growth in smartphone and tablet usage over the past two years exceeding all expectations. Total mobile gaming revenue is forecast to be US$23 billion for calendar year 2015 and expected to double by 2018.  Income generated by a best-selling game app is phenomenal, with  ‘Clash of […]

Continue Reading

Changes to Powers of Attorney

September 8, 2015

Changes to Powers of Attorney

The Victorian legal framework for powers of attorney has changed as at  1 September 2015. The new legislation establishes stricter requirements for making a valid power of attorney and clearly outlines the powers and obligations of the attorney. The abuse of power by an attorney can now result in a criminal offence punishable by up […]

Continue Reading

Levelling the playing field for women in retirement

September 1, 2015

Levelling the  playing field for women in retirement

The superannuation savings of women are forecast to be an average 35% below their male counterparts of a similar age when they retire. These alarming  figures are a reflection of the current 19% wage gap between women and men, and the time out from the workforce many women take when starting a family and caring for […]

Continue Reading

Dynamic thinking for volatile markets

August 26, 2015

Dynamic thinking for volatile markets

  The current volatility afflicting global share markets again highlights the perils of a ‘set and forget’ investment strategy. The theory of strategic asset allocation (SAA) is fundamental to constructing a diverse and suitable investment portfolio and despite some shortcomings, can ensure an investor’s expectations and risk tolerance are met at implementation. But a target […]

Continue Reading

Income you can bank on

August 14, 2015

Income you can bank on

The rush of substantial bank capital raisings, triggered by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority’s (APRA) recent announcement, is proving to be highly dilutive for bank ordinary shareholders, but a positive for holders of bank debt and hybrid securities. While most bank share prices have tumbled 15-20% over recent weeks as the market digests the placement […]

Continue Reading

Viewing habits don’t sit still

August 5, 2015

Viewing habits don’t sit still

The recently reported deal by Amazon to pay US$250 million for three years of global rights to the new series of ‘Top Gear’ highlights the continuing shift in power within the media and telecommunications world. Content and the ability to fully monetise its dissemination now dictates valuations. In an effort to boost the appeal of its […]

Continue Reading

APRA weighs up bank risk

July 30, 2015

APRA weighs up bank risk

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) last week announced that it will require the four major banks and Macquarie Bank to increase the amount of capital required against residential mortgage exposures. Currently these five institutions are allowed to set their own mortgage risk weights, but from 1 July, 2016 it will be mandatory to apply […]

Continue Reading

ASX demands knowledge for all

July 20, 2015

ASX demands knowledge for all

The Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) has issued updated guidance on continuous disclosure rules for listed entities. The ASX had become concerned that through private briefings, entities were influencing analyst forecasts to align them with their own numbers, thus reducing the need to provide an earnings update. This has led to analyst consensus estimates acting as […]

Continue Reading

User knows best in Aged Care

July 8, 2015

User knows best in Aged Care

The third and final phase of the current changes to aged care has been introduced this month. In an effort to reform and improve the age care system, consecutive governments have since 2012, progressively introduced significant changes aimed at giving older Australians greater control over the money spent on their welfare. A major objective of […]

Continue Reading