Last month we discussed the fact that interest rates in Australia are now at an all-time low of 2.25%, and are expected to stay low for the medium term. Overall this change is positive for mortgage holders and businesses, yet a negative for retirees relying on interest income. The main drivers for further rate cuts
As we know, the RBA left the official cash rate at 2.25% on 3 March, 2015. Given the low home loan interest rate environment we are currently experiencing, a common question is: Should I fix my home loan interest rate? For most people their mortgage is likely to be their largest financial obligation, and as
The official cash rate is now 2.25%, and many investors are still holding cash in online savings accounts and term deposits which are typically paying around 3.0% to 3.5% pa. While it’s accepted that interest rates will head higher again at some point, there are differing views as to whether the RBA will cut the
Welcome to Harvest’s first Investment Newsletter for 2015. We hope you enjoyed your break and have returned to work refreshed and ready to go! In this newsletter, we’ll be summarising market movements over December whilst concentrating mainly on how calendar year 2014 finished up and most importantly, how we think markets in 2015 are likely
Director's Perspective By Mario Isaias Welcome to our last edition in 2014 of our Investment Newsletter. We are excited to announce that in 2015 we will be revamping this newsletter to enhance the content and timing. We know you will enjoy this fresh approach. November in Australia was generally a “minus 3% month”. Both the
Reserve Bank interest rate announcement - December 2014 Today the Reserve Bank of Australia met to review the official cash rate. They have decided to leave this rate steady at 2.50% pa. The official rate has now remained unchanged for sixteen months. We expect that most lenders will leave their rates unchanged, in line with
Director's Perspective By Inbam Devadason Global share markets have been increasingly volatile over the last 3 months. The Australian share market was up to a record high on 2 September 2014 of 5,658 (S&P ASX 200). The market dropped 9% over the next 6 weeks, was up 7.5% over the next 3 weeks and is
Reserve Bank interest rate announcement - November 2014 Today the Reserve Bank of Australia met to review the official cash rate. They have decided to leave this rate steady at 2.50% pa. The official rate has remained unchanged for 14 months now. We expect that most lenders will leave their rates unchanged, in line with the Reserve Bank’s decision.
Reserve Bank interest rate announcement - October 2014 Today the Reserve Bank of Australia met to review the official cash rate. They have decided to leave this rate steady at 2.50% pa. The official rate has remained unchanged for 13 months now. We expect that most lenders will leave their rates unchanged, in line with
Director's Perspective By Noel Hucker Are Australian listed companies in good shape ? You bet ! A focus on cost control, productivity and low funding costs have paid dividends – quite literally. For the 12 months ending June 2014, 90% of listed companies reported a profit, 69% of companies have improved their profit over the
