Winter is winding down, and there were a few encouraging signs for the economy as we head towards spring.
Inflation eased to 3.8% in the year to June, down from 4.0%, taking some pressure off the Reserve Bank to lift rates again, though underlying inflation held firm at 3.6%. The ASX 200 pushed above 9,000 points after the CPI release, and the Australian dollar hit a six-week high, closing above US$0.70. Consumer confidence lifted slightly but remains firmly in pessimistic territory, and oil prices, while volatile, finished well below their earlier peaks.
In this issue, we cover…
- AI is changing everything. Does your portfolio need to? AI dominates headlines and investment forecasts alike, but successful investing is rarely about chasing the biggest names. Understanding the different ways to gain exposure, and why diversification still wins, matters more than picking the next headline stock.
- Life moves fast. Is your insurance up to speed? A new home, a growing family, or a career change can all shift your insurance needs, yet cover is often set and forgotten. An annual check of valuations, beneficiaries, and premiums can reveal gaps before they become costly surprises.
- Putting healthspan at the heart of your plan: We’re living longer than ever, but the number of years spent in good health isn’t keeping pace. Factoring healthspan into your financial plan helps protect not just your wealth, but your independence and quality of life in later years.
As always, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch.