Negative Gearing and the Mum and Dad Investors

Negative Gearing

Much has been posited about the typical Australian property investor, especially their salary. According to the ATO, 67% of investors claiming rental interest deductions take home under $80,000 per year. At least as far back as 2014, the data has been pulled apart and commentators have asserted that the data is flawed. Their argument is…

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May RBA Minutes point to weakness in housing market

housing market

May’s RBA board meeting minutes outline the rationale behind their 50bp reduction of the cash rate. The minutes note that the domestic economy had been growing at a modest rate in early 2012 however, the activity varied across industries. The mining sector remains strong with a number of large projects underway and on the drawing board.…

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RBA April Meeting – Cash Rate Left on Hold

RBA Cash Rate

In the Reserve Bank’s April board meeting today, the cash rate was left on hold at 4.25%. This was in line with economists’ expectations, but there is growing support for an easing in the cash rate based on recent data such as poor dwelling starts and retail sales.The board pointed to a potential downward movement,…

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RBA February 2012 Board Meeting Minutes

RBA Minutes

Much to the surprise of most economists, the RBA kept the cash rate steady in February. Information available since the December meeting confirmed that economic  conditions in Europe were weakening late last year, with significant downside risks. In line with this, most forecasters have lowered their forecasts for  world GDP growth this year to a below trend…

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RBA Commentary on the Investment Boom in the Resources Sector

Investment Boom

In his speech today to the Committee for Economic Development of Australia, RBA Deputy Governor Philip Lowe gave some interesting commentary on recent developments within the Australian economy. Specifically interesting were his comments regarding the indirect effects of the investment boom in the resource sector:

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The Cappuccino Price Index – A Year in Review 2011

Cappuccino Price Index

For the uninitiated, the Cappuccino Price Index (CPI) monitors the price of espresso coffee in Australia. In their own words “Cutting through the noise of oil prices, inflationary trends, exchange rates, and The All Ords we talk about what really matters – the price of the cup of coffee.” It’s an interesting niche way to…

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