Digital Finance Analytics (DFA) Blog

Speculation about Japanese rate hikes drove a rebound for the yen, which ended with the biggest weekly gain vs the USD since July. The dollar fell 1.18% on the day to 149.76 yen, under pressure after Japan’s government finalised a stimulus budget and inflation in Tokyo came in hotter than economists forecast. ASX property stocks … Continue reading "Vertigo: Markets Still Grinding Higher (Just Don’t Look Down!)"

Part two of the government’s stalled housing legislation finally passed federal parliament on Thursday. The Build to Rent tax reform bill aims to boost investment in apartment blocks designed and constructed for rental occupancy and retained in single ownership. Other than as purpose-built student accommodation, this form of development remains rare in Australia. At the … Continue reading "The Build To Rent Solution Won’t Solve The Real Problem!"

Well, the federal parliament has passed legislation to ban people under 16 from having an account with some social media platforms. In doing so, it has ignored advice from a chorus of experts – and from the Australian Human Rights Commission, which said the government rushed the legislation through parliament without taking the time to … Continue reading "You’re Banned! Thanks Albo!"

This week is Asbestos Awareness Week in Australia. Asbestos Awareness Week provides an important reminder as we head into end of year period when people may be looking to undertake renovation or DIY work on older properties and the need to be vigilant in managing safety on site. https://www.asbestossafety.gov.au/national-asbestos-awareness-week-2024 If you’re working on homes built … Continue reading "The Shadow Of Asbestos Still Haunts!"

The New Zealand Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee lowered the Official Cash Rate to 4.25% from 4.75%. The bank’s updated projections are consistent with another 50-point reduction at its next decision on Feb. 19, Governor Adrian Orr told reporters at a press conference. “But it’s also conditional on economic projections panning out,” he said. “Economic … Continue reading "Kiwis See Another Rate Cut As The RBNZ Takes A Different Path!"

The latest monthly CPI data from the ABS showed headline inflation going sideways and underlying inflation rising, despite the massive Government support to households across electricity and rents. Nothing here to signal rate cuts in the short term, and the RBA will continue to look through to the underlying rate of 3.5% which is up … Continue reading "Lets Put Another Numberwang On The Barbie!"

The Under 16 Ban on Account access to Social Media has been steamrollered through the lower house, and will be guillotined through the Senate without debate. Questions of substance are being thrown off the table in an unseemly mess, being supported by both major parties. Why? Because under the hood this is actually the last … Continue reading "The Real Story About Under 16!"

This is an edited version of a live discussion about the conundrum of property investing. Some are selling as quickly as they can, others are piling in. We look at the latest data to figure out what is going on. The key is a realistic assessment of net investment yield, which varies across locations and … Continue reading "DFA Live Q&A Replay: Property Investing: Nightmare Or Great Deal?"

Another week and what a week its been, with the complete failure of the Misinformation and Disinformation Bill (yeh!). Pity about the U16 Bill! Property related Bills will be passed though, underscoring the narrowing base of the Australian economy, even as more small businesses go out of business. In this show Edwin, our property insider … Continue reading "Its Edwin’s Monday Evening Property Rant!"

The Albanese government has dumped its controversial mis- and disinformation bill, conceding there is “no pathway” to getting the proposal passed through the Senate. The communications minister, Michelle Rowland, insisted misinformation and disinformation remained a grave concern for democracy, national security and online safety, but said the government would not proceed with the proposal. It … Continue reading "The Misinformation Bill Is Dead [Again]!"