Calls for four-year forecast in GST carve-up

20 March

Four-year forecasts for state and territory shares of GST are being sought as the pushback against the annual carve-up of the tax continues. A longer forecast window from the Commonwealth Grants Commission would help secure budget bottom lines and...[Read More]

Call for more biofuels to keep trucks, utes on the road

20 March

Truckies won’t have to go electric and Aussies don’t have to give up their utes if more biofuels get the green light. Renewable diesel and biofuels will have a role “for many years”, particularly in long-haul freight, Transport Minister...[Read More]

Online shopping is forcing down prices by $1100 a year

20 March

People are saving more than $1100 a year due to the increasing popularity of online shopping, with the biggest savings coming from growing competition in the market, a study has found. But research from consulting firm the Mandala Partners also...[Read More]

Rising price of instant coffee a bitter blend

20 March

The cost of a morning brew came under fire in parliament as it was revealed a tin of coffee has almost doubled in price within a year at some major supermarkets. Labor MP Steve Georganas lifted the lid on the price hike of Nescafe-branded coffee...[Read More]

Marvels of mastery: Exploring the Eight Wonders of the Ancient and Modern World

14 March

The concept of the “Wonders of the World” has evolved over time, with various lists compiled to encompass the world’s most spectacular natural sights and human-built structures.    The traditional list of the Ancient Wonders of the World...[Read More]

What does ethical investing mean? How does it relate to ESG investing?

14 March

Investing is typically perceived as a wealthy-only pastime with no regard for the environment or social issues. However, that is not always the case, and the old mindset of making money for its own sake doesn’t need to stay.   People have become...[Read More]

Are the Lipstick and Beer Indexes Reliable Measures of Consumer Behaviour?

14 March

Traditional indicators such as GDP, unemployment rates, and inflation indicators are used to measure the health and performance of an economy. These are commonly used by economists and policymakers in gauging a country’s economic growth and...[Read More]

How to ask your boss to work remotely

14 March

The remote work trend has gained significant momentum in recent years, offering employees the flexibility to maintain a healthy work-life balance.   If you’re planning to join the ranks of remote workers, convincing your employer to grant you...[Read More]

Oliver’s insights Bitcoin to infinity and beyond…again!

13 March

Key points – Bitcoin has made it to new record highs, helped recently by the advent of ETFs that invest directly into it. – While blockchain technology has promise, the use case for Bitcoin is hard to determine making it impossible to...[Read More]

Swifties boost spending

13 March

The Australian economy got a leg up from Taylor Swift concerts but the much-anticipated visit was not enough to counter penny pinching elsewhere. Spending as tracked by Commonwealth Bank has been generally subdued and fell 0.3 per cent over the...[Read More]

Investment markets and key developments – Weekly market update 8/3/24

13 March

US and Eurozone shares rose to new record highs over the last week, as the ECB and Fed provided dovish comments, flagging rate cuts ahead, before giving back some of their gains on Friday as a bit of profit taking kicked in. The dip on Friday saw...[Read More]

Businesses to save as government scraps tariffs

13 March

Toothbrushes, sanitary products, washing machines and freezers may become cheaper in a move retailers say will reduce the costs of doing business. Almost 500 nuisance tariffs will be scrapped in the new financial year, saving companies more than $30...[Read More]

Investment expert warns prices ‘rollercoaster’ possible

13 March

Global inflation may fall back to target more quickly than expected in the near term but could then rebound higher again because of geopolitical fragmentation, the low-carbon transition and other supply shocks. That’s the thinking of BlackRock...[Read More]

WA ranked first, Vic last on economic performance: IPA

13 March

Western Australia is the nation’s best economic performer while Victoria lags behind all other states, a new report reveals. Australia’s western-most state leads other states on three measures including low taxes and energy prices and high wages...[Read More]

Wealthy Australians called on to pay more for aged care

13 March

Wealthier Australians are being urged to pay more for aged care so the government can help older people with lesser means access residential and in-home services. The overall wealth of older Australians is expected to increase, with the proportion...[Read More]