AMP

Highly anticipated new consumer price data showed the inflation rate in Australia hit its highest level since 1990 in the December quarter. But analysts are mixed on whether inflation will moderate later this year or become more entrenched.

New data shows Australian house prices have dropped 8.4 per cent since their peak in May 2022, the largest decrease on record. While further RBA rate hikes could deepen the downturn, experts say a crash in 2023 is not inevitable.

The cost of living has risen dramatically in 2022, with the Reserve Bank of Australia increasing the cash rate seven times since April and the major banks keeping pace on mortgage rates. But there could be good news on the horizon.

The Australian dollar’s appreciation from recent lows is eroding returns from unhedged international investments. With analysts mixed on where the currency is heading, opting to hedge foreign currency exposures could provide investors with some peace of mind.

The institution has entered the post-Retirement Income Covenant market race with an out-of-the-box hybrid offering that may well attract a swathe of retirees.

Higher rates and the cost of living, on top of global events, have contributed to increased Fear Of Running Out across the country. Yet the level of concern may be relatively unfounded, AMP reports.

Borrowing to invest in property within an SMSF vehicle has merit, which is why so many people have done it. But there are risks in placing such a lumpy asset in a restrictive environment that all investors should be aware of.

A 50bps interest rate hike by the RBA wasn’t what anyone was expecting. It takes the cash rate to 85bps – well ahead of most economists’ expectations. What are the knock-on effects?

All about the Benjamin’s, market flat but dividends galore, Telstra holds, AMP cuts The ASX200 (ASX: XJO) finished flat on Thursday with Rio Tinto’s (ASX: RIO) massive dividend dragging the stock 6.9% and proving too much for a resilient communications sector (+2.3%) to overcome. It was a broadly positive day with more sectors gaining than losing and reporting season ultimately driving…

And just like that, another financial year passes by before you even know it. Where did the year go? Well, to make the most of what’s left of this year, now is the perfect time to assess your capital gains tax position on shares and other assets purchased during this financial year. And yes, according…