While avoiding recession is possible, the continuation of restrictive macroeconomic policies for the near term is needed to fight inflation, according to the IMF’s annual economic report card for Australia – and tax reform and stronger housing policies would also help.
A drop-off in IPO activity over the second half of last year appears likely to continue into 2023, as companies look to ride out market uncertainty by staying private for longer. Small-cap listings dominate the light pipeline, while public and pre-IPO opportunities are garnering more investor interest.
A key consideration for SMSF members is how their retirement will impact their fund’s investment strategy. To navigate these tricky waters, members must plan around long-term needs, and input from experts can help prevent costly mistakes, according to Accurium principal Melanie Dunn.
The federal government is seeking feedback on proposed changes to rules aimed at preventing non-arm’s-length transactions by superannuation funds, in a bid to address concern that SMSFs and smaller funds that breach the provisions could be disproportionately penalised.
In the first 18 months of the new restructuring framework for small businesses, more than 90 per cent of proposed restructuring plans have been approved by creditors. Despite slow early uptake, ASIC says more small businesses are benefitting from the reforms in 2023.
The Australian mining and energy sector drew a significant increase in investment in 2022, but a hoped-for green mining boom is currently a fantasy, with gas and coal still dominating the project pipeline, new bank research shows. A shift in focus to commodities needed for the energy transition would have to precede another super-cycle, but select opportunities exist.
Litigation involving estate planning and superannuation is ramping up, with major impacts on self-managed super funds, and in particular trustee obligations. Cooper Grace Ward partner Hayley Mitchell discusses key case law SMSF trustees should be sure to know about.
Credit and equity markets both suffered a very bad 2022, as the collapse of negative correlation between stock and bond prices left no safe haven for investors. But 2023 could be a big year for bonds, and experts say investors waiting on the sidelines risk missing out.
After a dip in October, the inflation rate is back to a 30-year high, according to ABS statistics for November that put into doubt hopes the Reserve Bank of Australia will pause rate hikes soon.
A review of the top stories from the past year reflects investors’ continuing anxiety over the direction of markets as central banks continue their battle against inflation and geopolitical turmoil remains a constant. Many of the same issues appear likely to shape the next 12 months as well.
