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The Federal Government’s “Stronger and Fairer Super System” package has now passed both Houses of Parliament (10 March 2026), following confirmation of Greens support. While the changes were widely expected, and we’ve covered the lead-up extensively (including division 296 and super reform), this marks the moment the policy moves from “proposed” to locked in. In…
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Australia’s current account deficit widened to $21.1 billion in the latest quarterly release, reflecting shifts in trade flows and income payments to and from the rest of the world. The result, published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), forms part of the broader national accounts framework and sits alongside other key economic indicators such…
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The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported that total dwelling approvals fell 7.2% in January 2026, signalling a renewed slowdown in new housing approvals. Detailed data from the January 2026 Building Approvals release confirms the monthly decline across dwelling categories, reinforcing concerns about construction momentum at a time when rental pressure and affordability remain key…
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The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has indicated that a March interest rate increase is a “live” possibility, with Governor Michele Bullock noting in recent commentary that renewed inflation risks — including volatility in global oil prices — remain a factor in the Board’s considerations. This shift in tone follows the RBA’s February monetary policy…
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A proposal gaining attention this week suggests introducing HECS-style loans to help retirees fund home electrification upgrades — such as solar panels, batteries, or efficient appliances — with repayments structured similarly to income-contingent student loans. The debate comes as households face renewed pressure on energy bills, following confirmation that broad-based federal energy bill relief would…
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The ASX 200 recently reached record high levels, supported by a strong corporate reporting season and solid earnings results across several sectors. For investors, rising markets are welcome news. For superannuation members — particularly those nearing retirement — record highs also raise important questions about risk exposure, timing, and portfolio positioning. Understanding how share market…
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The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported in its latest Business Indicators release that company gross operating profits rose in the most recent quarter, with wages and salaries also increasing over the period. Mining was a key contributor to the rise in company profits, reinforcing the sector’s ongoing influence on national income and export performance.…
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Escalated tensions in the Middle East have pushed financial markets to price in the risk of an oil supply disruption, with analysts warning that a sustained rise in crude prices could flow through to Australian petrol, transport, and energy costs in the coming weeks. For households already managing tight budgets, the bigger question is not…
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Australia’s first inflation reading for 2026 has been released, with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) publishing the January Consumer Price Index (CPI) data in late February 2026. The Monthly CPI Indicator provides a timely snapshot of price movements across key household categories, including housing, food, transport, and insurance For households already navigating higher mortgage…
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Recent commentary from major business leaders has suggested Australia may be approaching a “tipping point”, citing persistent inflation and weak productivity growth as ongoing economic challenges. While headlines can sound dramatic, the underlying economic mechanics are more structural than sudden. When inflation remains elevated, and productivity growth is subdued, wage increases can struggle to translate…