September 22, 2015
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 ReadingSeptember 15, 2015
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 ReadingSeptember 8, 2015
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 ReadingSeptember 1, 2015
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 ReadingAugust 26, 2015
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 ReadingAugust 14, 2015
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 ReadingAugust 5, 2015
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 ReadingJuly 30, 2015
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 ReadingJuly 20, 2015
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 ReadingJuly 8, 2015
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 […]
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