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In what has been touted as the most significant changes to Australia’s insolvency framework in 30 years, the government has implemented changes aimed at reducing costs and cutting red-tape which are designed to help small businesses recover from the impacts of COVID-19 on the economy.
Read MoreWhen it comes to investing, the main asset classes are cash, fixed interest, property, and shares. Importantly, each asset class (and sub-asset class) has its own unique characteristics.
Read MoreMuch like new year celebrations, Australian shares ended 2020 without fanfare. The ASX 200 added a modest 1.2% in December to end the year up only 1.4% in what was a tumultuous year for all markets.
The IT sector was the best performing in December, returning 9.5% over the month and 57.8% over the year. Unsurprisingly it was Afterpay that led the tech pack in 2020, tripling in value as consumers continued to flock online and ditch their credit cards. Afterpay announced that it exceeded $2 billion of monthly underlying sales in November—more than double the $1 billion of underlying sales in November 2019. Machine learning and AI specialist Appen downgraded its 2020 earnings guidance, citing the impact of lockdowns globally— especially in California where its heavyweight technology clients reside—and a weaker US dollar.
Australia’s economic recovery has found solid footing, underpinned by low Covid-19 case numbers nationwide and news of successful vaccine trials. After weeks of zero new case numbers, Victoria has relaxed its restrictions. Up to 100 people can attend public gatherings such as weddings, while one quarter of office workers can return to the office (this will increase to one half from 11 January 2021). At its December meeting the Reserve Bank of Australia left interest rates unchanged at a record low 0.10%. The board anticipates no increase in the cash rate for at least three years, while the size of the bond purchase program will remain under review and dependent on the outlook for jobs and inflation.
Read MoreAccording to the World Health Organisation, physical activity is any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure. Examples of this can include activities such as sporting and leisure
Read MoreAs we approach the 2020 festive season and begin to turn our eyes to some well-earned R&R, it’s important to highlight that a number of key Bills recently passed through the parliamentary process and became Acts.
Read MoreIn our article, ‘Australia's three-pillar retirement income system’, we discussed in detail Australia’s retirement income system—a three-pillar approach, which has been pursued by the Government for the last few decades.
Read MoreThe government has released details on proposed changes to super announced as a part of the 2020-21 Federal Budget. The changes are aimed at reducing unnecessary fees.
Read MoreATO has recently outlined its expectations for businesses post-COVID. It largely warned companies against using loopholes to obtain benefits from the various government stimulus packages.
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