Within this month’s update, we share with you a snapshot of economic occurrences both nationally and from around the globe. Labour markets seemingly improve - Australian unemployment rate fell to 6.8%, still high but better than expected due in part to JobKeeper - RBA and government are expected to provide more economic stimulus - US presidential election may cause elevated volatility in financial markets We hope you find this month’s Economic Update as informative as always. If you have any feedback or would like to discuss any aspect of this report, please contact us. The Big Picture Both Australian and US unemployment rates fell markedly in their September data releases. However, the dat
With so many people concerned about their investments and wondering what they should be doing, we've put together some responses to your most frequently asked questions. What should I be doing with my investments? If your risk profile is correct then at this point a rebalance may increase your equities exposure. We are still at an early stage in the COVID-19 experience and at this point increasing equity exposure may not be optimal. In which case, and assuming you are comfortable with your risk profile and the recommended asset allocation, continuing to allow your portfolio managers and asset allocation to operate as they always have may be the better option. It may help to remember that thi
The Government has announced a number of changes to income support - predominantly JobSeeker arrangements and the Coronavirus supplement. The changes announced include: • increasing the income free area for the income test and adjusting the income test taper rate • amending the partner income test • reintroducing mutual job obligations • reintroducing the assets test and liquid assets waiting period • extending payment of the Coronavirus supplement to 31 December 2020, and • reducing the amount of Coronavirus supplement payable. • Relaxed eligibility criteria will continue to apply to sole traders, individuals who have been stood down or have lost their job, and casual workers, subject to me
In this article we have summarised the high level points to take from the 2020 Federal Budget. TAXES More than 11 million Australians will receive tax cuts, with a permanent cut of $47 a week for high-income earners. Middle-income earners will also receive a one-off $21 with extension of the low and middle-income tax offset into 2020-21. From 2020-21, the upper limit of the 19% personal income tax bracket will rise to $45,000 and the 32.5% marginal tax rate upper threshold will lift from $90,000 to $120,000. WELFARE The government has announced two additional economic support payments of $250 to pensioners and other eligible recipients, worth $2.6bn. There will be an extension of the Job Kee
