Category: Finance
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Government considered housing tax breaks in early 2016
Despite a new Federal Government housing affordability package expected for the next budget, the impact of tax breaks in the housing market was formally examined and rejected by the Federal Cabinet as early as February 2016. The Coalition Government responded to investigations into the possibility last year by launching direct and staunch opposition to Labor’s proposals for…
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Iron ore price drop would leave Australian miners at risk
Small-scale junior iron ore miners in Australia could face serious damage to their portfolios if prices drop in the near future. In a market that is known to be highly cyclical, a recent downturn in iron ore prices after a quarter of sustained growth is a cause for concern to the smaller mining operations, such…
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Australian consumer confidence is at an all time low
Consumer confidence is at an all time low within Australia, as consumers grow increasingly worried about low wages and high costs of housing and living, according to ANZ. The ANZ-Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence Index fell 2.4% to a level of 111.1 points in the week ending April 2, remaining just above the 100 level separating…
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Rio Tinto hit with $447 million tax bill
Mining giant Rio Tinto has been hit with a $447 million tax bill by the Australian Tax Office (ATO). The London based company released a statement last night which revealed that they had been hit with the massive expense. “The Australian Commissioner of Taxation has issued amended income tax assessments to Rio Tinto for the…
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Tesla stock is worth more than Ford
Tesla stock has stunned the stock market by overtaking the 115 year old company Ford in stock value. Tesla’s market cap was US$47.46 billion (AUS$62.5 bn) yesterday, whereas Ford’s market cap decreased to US$44.89 billion (AUS$59 bn). This sudden drop in Ford value is due to recent bad news announced by the company, which contrasted Tesla’s good news. Tesla reported an…
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Australia is becoming a cashless society
Australia is well on its way to becoming a cashless society. There are more and more people using smartphone apps such as ApplePay to pay for everyday transactions online instead of carrying cash. Australians are increasingly turning to digital means to arrange and pay for everyday tasks, such as using apps like Deliveroo to get food delivered…
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ANZ raises interest rates for investors
ANZ has become the latest of the big banks to raise its variable interest rates since the US Federal Reserve raised its rates last week. The bank has raised the interest rate for investors by 0.25 basis points from 5.60% to 5.85% per annum, effective from March 31st. ANZ is also raising it variable rate for its interest…
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ASIC is reviewing Harvey Norman’s accounts
Retail giant Harvey Norman is having its accounts reviewed by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) as part of its financial reporting surveillance program. In an statement made to the Australian Stock Exchange, Harvey Norman disclosed that they were having their accounts reviewed by the corporate regulator. The announcement was made after the Australian Financial Review (AFR)…
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Iron ore price drops to lowest point in 2017
The price of iron ore has seen a massive drop after Chinese demand for steel continues to fall. The price dropped by 4.3% to $87.59 US a tonne overnight, the biggest percentage drop in 2017 so far . This recent fall extends the losses from earlier in the week to over 7%. This also the…
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NAB interest rate rise is causing outrage
The National Australia Bank (NAB) is receiving heavy criticism for its decision to raise its interest rates yesterday, just hours after the US Federal Reserve raised its interest rates. The NAB raised its residential investment home loan variable rate by 25 basis points from 5.55% to 5.8% per annum. They also raised their standard variable rate for owner-occupiers…