Category: Finance
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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…
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Australian dollar surges above US 77c
The Australian dollar has reached its highest point in two years in the wake of a weakened US dollar and an increase in commodity prices. The Australian dollar is now worth over US 77 cents, reaching a high point of 77.07 US cents, which is an increase of 2%. The surge comes in the wake of…
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Snapchat shares hit an all-time low
Shares in Snapchat’s parent company, Snap Inc, have reached the lowest point since the company was publicly listed on 2 March. The all-time low of $20.50 is due to investor concerns about slowing user growth and a lack of profit. The company’s stock has mostly fallen since the Initial Public Offering of $24.48. Snap Inc…
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Gold hit a five week low with further losses expected
Gold has sunk for the sixth straight session, reaching a five week low with more losses expected in the coming days. U.S. gold futures settled at $1,203.20 on Friday. Gold futures were at the lowest level since February 1st at $1,202.90 with the February level being $1,199.70. Spot gold didn’t fair much better, as it was down by 0.32% at $1,203.58 per…
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Visa is changing how people pay
Payments technology has changed significantly over the last twenty years, with traditional cash payments being slowly outmoded by other methods of payment. This is due in large part to Visa, which, along with other credit card companies, has driven and revolutionised payment technology. Their latest payment innovation is a wearable pay band. According to Visa, the payment…
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Centrelink overpayment errors ‘not counted’
The Senate inquiry into Centrelink’s automated debt recovery system has found that the system has not kept track of how many overpayment errors were caused by the agency itself. Greens senator Rachel Siewert has called for greater clarity from the government service on the functionality and reliability of the new automated system. “I think it…
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ATO targeting the cash in hand economy
The Australian Tax Office (ATO) is cracking down on the cash in hand economy that generates up to $15 million in turnover each year. Currently, 1.6 million businesses that operate with cash only, including hairdressers, cafes and trade persons. Assistant Commissioner Tom Wheeler has said that the measure is not targeting any particular business. “We know that the majority…