If you believe the hype, households across Australia are experiencing waves of relief, as rates are cut, incomes rise and inflation falls. But, judging by the results from my latest surveys, this is far from true. Worse, home prices could well start taking off again, as supply does meet demand from new migrants, and other … Continue reading "Is The Financial Stress Worm Finally Turning Or Is It Eating It’s Young?"

This is our weekly market update, where we start in the US, cross to Europe and Asia and end in Australia, covering commodities and crypto on the way. Another chaotic week, with the tariff issues spinning into farce, even as long term bond yields claw higher, and friction with China and the US continues. Sentiments … Continue reading "Tariffs; The Uncertainty Gift That Keeps Giving…"

Australia’s economic woes can be sheeted to poor Government on housing, tax non-reform and many other factors, but the mother of all problems is the costs of energy. I find in amazing that despite swimming in gas being sucked from the ground by several large multinational companies who apparently pay no tax, they sell the … Continue reading "The Gas Long Con Continues; For Now… At What Cost?"

Here we go again, more uncertainly relating to Trumps Favorite policy tool, which has been thrown into turmoil after the US trade court issued a rare rebuke blocking many of the import taxes he has threatened and imposed on other countries. The US trade court is part of the nation’s federal court system and was … Continue reading "The Tariff Snakes And Ladders Game Takes Another Turn!"

New Zealand has been on a more aggressive monetary policy path, having pushed rates high enough to create a recession, then cut them again after starting its easing cycle in August lowering the OCR by 225 points including another 25 basis points today, making the RBNZ one of the most aggressive rate cutters among its … Continue reading "Kiwis Get Another Rate Cut: But Will Home Prices Respond?"

This is an edited version of a live discussion with Investment Manager at Alto Capital Tony Locantro, as we explore the current financial and social landscape. Details of our one to one service are here: https://digitalfinanceanalytics.com/blog/dfa-one-to-one/ Go to the Walk The World Universe at https://walktheworld.com.au/ Find more at https://digitalfinanceanalytics.com/blog/ where you can subscribe to our … Continue reading "DFA Live Q&A Replay: What The ??? Just Happened? With Tony Locantro"

Edwin and I discuss the latest from the property market, and the political and economic events which underpin it. Funny how politicians seem to look after their own interests, not ours, and how the spin from the property sector continues to diverge from reality on the ground. Meantime, energy prices are set to rise, even … Continue reading "Its Edwin’s Monday Evening Property Rant!"

Believe it or not, its now 12 months since the Senate Inquiry into Regional Banking released their report. You may recall that I, working with The Regional’s Dale Webster, alongside the Citizens Party and others, managed to get the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee to look at banking in the regions, and … Continue reading "No Cash, Crickets And A War Of Mass Distraction!"

This is our weekly market update where we start in the US, cross to Europe and Asia, and end in Australia, covering crypto and commodities along the way. U.S. equities pulled back this week after a torrid rally, as investors turned their attention to tax and spending legislation poised to swell the U.S. government’s $36 … Continue reading "The Markets React To The Art Of The Deal Going Full Picasso!"

The strong message I continue to get from my household surveys is that many households feel trapped in the jaws of ever higher prices, and see a real devaluation in their effective income, which means they are going backwards. Many are working more hours and multiple jobs to try and get by. Yet the Government … Continue reading "Reality Versus The Statisticians: Yes You Do Have An Real Income Recession!"