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Finance News

US Involvement in Israel-Iran Conflict Sparks Financial Market Concerns US Involvement in Israel-Iran Conflict Sparks Financial Market Concerns
23 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

The escalating likelihood of the United States engaging militarily in the Israel-Iran conflict has raised alarm among investors, potentially leading to significant market volatility. This concern was highlighted by the global financial advisory firm, deVere Group, as tensions heighten in the Middle East. - read more
Global Markets Brace for Oil Price Surge Following US Strike on Iran Global Markets Brace for Oil Price Surge Following US Strike on Iran
23 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

The recent US military attack on Iranian nuclear facilities has raised expectations of a significant oil price spike as global markets prepare to resume trading. Announced by former President Donald Trump, the attack marks an increased US involvement in the Middle East, which analysts believe could lead to heightened volatility across financial markets. - read more
Trump Mulls Change of Heart on Firing Fed Chair Powell Trump Mulls Change of Heart on Firing Fed Chair Powell
21 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

US President Donald Trump is once again contemplating the dismissal of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, whom he has criticized for not lowering interest rates. Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with Powell's decisions in a Truth Social post, suggesting he might change his mind about firing him. Despite acknowledging that his strong criticisms make Powell's task challenging, Trump remains focused on his agenda for reduced rates, especially with Powell's term set to end in May 2026. - read more
APRA Clarifies HELP Debt Considerations in Home Loan Assessments APRA Clarifies HELP Debt Considerations in Home Loan Assessments
20 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has released pivotal updates to the Prudential Practice Guide APG 223 and Reporting Standard ARS 223.0, focusing on how Authorised Deposit-taking Institutions (ADIs) should integrate Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) debt into home loan evaluations. The changes are aimed at enhancing regulatory clarity and acknowledging the individual circumstances of borrowers, including the nuances of their HELP debts, without compromising prudent lending practices. - read more
Economic Unrest Spurs Increased Reliance on Financial Advisers Economic Unrest Spurs Increased Reliance on Financial Advisers
20 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

In the face of ongoing economic turmoil encompassing inflation, market volatility, and other financial stresses, a global survey from Natixis Investment Managers, conducted by CoreData Research, has highlighted a growing trend: investors are increasingly relying on their financial advisers. With 91 per cent of surveyed investors expressing trust in their financial advisers for investment decisions, this highlights an unmistakable shift amidst financial uncertainty. - read more
Global Central Banks Intensify Focus on Gold Reserves Global Central Banks Intensify Focus on Gold Reserves
18 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

Recent data from the 2025 Central Banks Gold Reserve Survey indicates a renewed focus on gold among the world's central banks. As these financial institutions adapt to the changing economic landscape, their strategies increasingly involve boosting their gold reserves. - read more
Navigating Private Credit Risks for Australian Retail Investors Navigating Private Credit Risks for Australian Retail Investors
17 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

Investment in private credit is not a contemporary innovation; its roots trace back to ancient times. The evolution of direct lending, particularly in the UK, Europe, and the US, intensified across the 18th to the 20th centuries, serving as a crucial alternative during frequent banking crises. The current surge in private lending originated in the 1990s amidst burgeoning internet startups, and was further propelled by tighter banking regulations and historically low interest rates post the Global Financial Crisis. - read more
AFCA Caught in Scam Operations, Urged to Strengthen Protocols AFCA Caught in Scam Operations, Urged to Strengthen Protocols
17 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) finds itself inadvertently entangled in sophisticated scamming operations. The Stockbrokers and Investment Advisers Association (SIAA) has identified a tactic whereby fraudsters use AFCA's complaint system to lend credibility to their scams by taking over victims' accounts and falsely lodging complaints. - read more
Sydney Property Market Rebounds with Strong Auction Performance Sydney Property Market Rebounds with Strong Auction Performance
16 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

The Sydney property market showed signs of revival as the latest auction results indicated a resurgence in buyer enthusiasm. Last weekend, the city recorded a preliminary auction clearance rate of 70.5%, marking a notable rebound from the previous week's low of 58.1%. The recent performance also represents Sydney's first clearance rate above 70% in three weeks and only the second instance in the past thirteen weeks. - read more
Overseas Investors Target Australian Real Estate Debt Overseas Investors Target Australian Real Estate Debt
13 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian commercial real estate debt market is garnering attention from international investors, with the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments) making significant inroads. In partnership with Nuveen, a global asset manager, a substantial investment strategy targeting Australian real estate debt has closed its second round. The total commitment exceeded $650 million, with CPP Investments contributing $300 million through their CPPIB Credit Investments Inc. - read more
ASIC Cracks Down on Risky Financial Influences ASIC Cracks Down on Risky Financial Influences
12 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has issued warnings to 18 social media influencers actively promoting high-risk financial products without the necessary licence. The move is part of a broader initiative to curb unlicensed financial advice in the online sphere, where influencers often lure young audiences with glamorous lifestyles while dispensing questionable investment tips. ASIC has identified these so-called 'finfluencers' as operating in breech of the Corporations Act by promoting complex financial products like derivatives without proper authorisation. - read more
ASIC Introduces 2-Year Fast-Track IPO Trial to Boost Market Appeal ASIC Introduces 2-Year Fast-Track IPO Trial to Boost Market Appeal
11 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has responded to stakeholder feedback by initiating a two-year trial of a fast-track process for Initial Public Offerings (IPOs). This initiative aims to address the decline in Australian IPOs and the number of public companies by making the IPO process more efficient. - read more
Intergenerational Wealth Transfer: A Prime Opportunity for Australian Advisers Intergenerational Wealth Transfer: A Prime Opportunity for Australian Advisers
11 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

Recent findings from EY's Global Wealth Research report highlight a significant opportunity for financial advisers in Australia as a large-scale intergenerational wealth transfer looms. With only 35% of Australians planning to retain their inherited assets in their existing forms, there is a noticeable shift towards diversification, with 51% intending to spread their investments across various asset classes. This trend opens the door for advisers to engage deeply with new inheritors, ensuring client retention across generations. - read more
RBA Poised for July Rate Cut Amid Economic Slowdown RBA Poised for July Rate Cut Amid Economic Slowdown
11 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is widely expected to cut the official cash rate (OCR) at its upcoming July meeting. According to Westpac, the probability of this decision has reached an overwhelming 97% in financial markets. - read more
Australia's Interest Rates Set to Fall Below Zero Amid Structural Economic Challenges Australia's Interest Rates Set to Fall Below Zero Amid Structural Economic Challenges
10 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

Australia's economic landscape faces significant challenges, with stagnating GDP growth and a lack of capital investment occupancy at the forefront. Amidst these difficulties, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is presented with room to further reduce interest rates, potentially even venturing below zero. However, such a move is expected to offer only temporary relief rather than addressing the core issues of the economy. - read more
Major Regulatory Overhaul for Buy Now, Pay Later in Australia Major Regulatory Overhaul for Buy Now, Pay Later in Australia
10 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

The Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) sector in Australia is on the brink of significant transformation as new regulatory measures come into effect, equating BNPL services with traditional credit products like credit cards. Effective from June 10, 2025, all key players in the BNPL market, including Afterpay, Zip, and Humm, along with low-cost credit contracts, will be required to operate under stringent regulatory standards established by the Albanese government. - read more
Consumer Sentiment and Business Confidence: Navigating Economic Uncertainty Consumer Sentiment and Business Confidence: Navigating Economic Uncertainty
09 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

This week, anticipation surrounds the release of updated consumer sentiment data as businesses and consumers feel the squeeze from ongoing global trade tensions. The ongoing tariff disputes initiated by former President Donald Trump have contributed significantly to economic unease, dampening hopes for recovery in 2025. - read more
Westpac Faces Renewed Scrutiny Amid RAMS Loan Misconduct Westpac Faces Renewed Scrutiny Amid RAMS Loan Misconduct
06 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

Australia's financial sector is yet again under the spotlight as Westpac finds itself embroiled in another scandal involving irresponsible lending practices. The bank's RAMS home loans subsidiary faces serious allegations by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) regarding improper loan approvals. - read more
Cautious Spending Persists Despite Economic Stimuli Cautious Spending Persists Despite Economic Stimuli
06 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

Australians continue to exhibit cautious spending behaviours, as evidenced by a modest uptick in expenditure during April, notwithstanding consecutive long weekends and favourable economic conditions. Recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) illustrates a 0.1% increase in household spending, following declines and tepid growth in the preceding months. - read more
The Star Casino Faces AUSTRAC Penalties Over Money Laundering Breaches The Star Casino Faces AUSTRAC Penalties Over Money Laundering Breaches
06 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

The Star Casino is embroiled in legal difficulties after allegations emerged in a Federal Court involving their facilitation of risky financial transactions, including offering massive gambling credits to individuals known for money laundering. This follows financial watchdog AUSTRAC's pursuit of legal action against the casino. - read more
ASIC Intensifies Oversight on Private Credit Market ASIC Intensifies Oversight on Private Credit Market
05 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) is fast-tracking its oversight of the private credit market, focusing on retail distribution amidst potential risks in the asset class. ASIC Commissioner Simone Constant disclosed that the regulator is prioritising this initiative in response to anticipated failures within the sector, as outlined in a discussion paper released earlier this year. - read more
Impact of International Students on Australian Economy Grows Impact of International Students on Australian Economy Grows
05 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) recently highlighted the substantial contribution of international students to the economy, estimating education exports to be valued at $51 billion for the 2023-24 fiscal year. This figure underscores the economic significance of Australia's educational sector, as calculated by combining average spending estimates from Tourism Research Australia with students’ total course fee expenditures. - read more
Virgin Australia's ASX Comeback with $685 Million IPO Virgin Australia's ASX Comeback with $685 Million IPO
05 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

Virgin Australia is poised to make a significant return to the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) through an initial public offering (IPO) aimed at raising $685 million. Bain Capital, the US private equity firm that currently owns a substantial portion of the airline, is set to sell 30% of its stake at $2.90 a share. This sale values Virgin Australia at just over $2.3 billion, compared to rival Qantas, whose shares were trading at $10.70. - read more
Aussies Demand Affordable Financial Guidance Amid Cost Pressures Aussies Demand Affordable Financial Guidance Amid Cost Pressures
04 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

Amidst ongoing economic challenges, a recent report from Colonial First State (CFS) highlights the urgent call for accessible financial advice in Australia. Surveying 2,250 Australians, CFS discovered that 82% of respondents believe financial guidance should be available to everyone. - read more
RBA Set to Consider July Rate Cut amid Economic Developments RBA Set to Consider July Rate Cut amid Economic Developments
04 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is under the spotlight as financial markets largely anticipate a 70% probability of a rate cut during its next meeting in July. This potential adjustment, coupled with further cuts expected later in 2025, could see the official cash rate (OCR) drop to 3.10% by year-end. - read more
Interest Rate Reductions Signal Potential Rebound for A-REITs Interest Rate Reductions Signal Potential Rebound for A-REITs
03 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

Investors in Australian Real Estate Investment Trusts (A-REITs) could witness a favourable shift in stock performance this year, thanks to declining inflation and interest rates rejuvenating the property market. This is according to Amy Pham, a portfolio manager with Pengana’s High Conviction Property Securities Fund, who anticipates A-REIT earnings to rise between 3% and 5% throughout the current calendar year. - read more
Pragmatic Love: Why Older Australians Must Discuss Finances Before Commitment Pragmatic Love: Why Older Australians Must Discuss Finances Before Commitment
03 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

As Australians increasingly form new relationships in their later years, it is becoming crucial for these couples to engage in candid financial conversations. Many bring considerable assets into these relationships, including property and superannuation savings, which can be at risk without transparent discussions. Financial planner Trudy Jenkin from NGS Super emphasises that while these talks may not be romantic, they are vital for building a strong foundation and avoiding future financial disputes. - read more
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Home Loans Articles

First-Home Finders: How to Choose a Mortgage Broker Who Works for You First-Home Finders: How to Choose a Mortgage Broker Who Works for You
Embarking on the journey to homeownership can feel like navigating uncharted waters, with mortgage brokers often serving as the compass guiding you through the complexities of home financing. For many first-time home buyers, understanding the role of a mortgage broker can provide peace of mind and valuable support throughout the home-buying process. - read more
Top 10 Mistakes First-Time Home Buyers in Australia Should Avoid Top 10 Mistakes First-Time Home Buyers in Australia Should Avoid
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Understanding Stamp Duty: What First-Time Buyers in Australia Need to Know Understanding Stamp Duty: What First-Time Buyers in Australia Need to Know
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How to Leverage the First Home Owner Grant in Your Home Buying Journey How to Leverage the First Home Owner Grant in Your Home Buying Journey
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Understanding Loan Calculators: A Guide For Australian Homebuyers Understanding Loan Calculators: A Guide For Australian Homebuyers
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Take Back Control: Mortgage Refinance and Debt Consolidation Tips for Aussie Homeowners Take Back Control: Mortgage Refinance and Debt Consolidation Tips for Aussie Homeowners
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Mastering Your Finances: A Guide to Preparing for Home Ownership in Australia Mastering Your Finances: A Guide to Preparing for Home Ownership in Australia
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Avoiding Common Pitfalls: How to Streamline Your Home Loan Pre-approval Avoiding Common Pitfalls: How to Streamline Your Home Loan Pre-approval
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Home Loan Refinancing: What You Need to Know Home Loan Refinancing: What You Need to Know
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Knowledgebase
Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM):
A type of mortgage in which the interest rate applied on the outstanding balance varies throughout the life of the loan.