With summer approaching and the year drawing to a close, November is a good time to reflect on how far you’ve come and set your sights on what’s next.
Inflation remained the focus in October, with CPI lifting to 4.3% in the year to September, driven largely by housing costs and higher fuel prices. Underlying inflation held at 3.6%, keeping the interest rate outlook front of mind. Household sentiment stayed subdued, but share markets showed resilience, with the ASX 200 recovering from early weakness to finish the month up 1.4%.
Overseas, the US midterm elections on 3 November handed Democrats control of both the House and the Senate, setting up divided government for the remaining two years of President Trump’s term. Investors will be watching how the shift shapes US policy on spending, tariffs and trade, alongside ongoing developments in the Middle East and energy markets.
In this issue, we cover…
- Looking beyond traditional asset classes: Shares and property dominate most investment conversations, but alternatives such as digital infrastructure, agriculture, private credit and critical minerals are becoming more accessible to individual investors. They bring their own risks, but can add diversification and exposure to long-term global trends.
- Give your super a head start: For young people starting their first job, super rarely tops the priority list. Yet time is the one advantage no older investor can buy. Small, early contributions and a few simple habits can make a meaningful difference decades down the track.
- Planning for change can boost retirement confidence: Retirement is no longer just about whether you’ve saved enough, but whether you feel confident enough to enjoy it. Research shows people with a clear plan are far more likely to spend with confidence, rather than holding back more than they need to.
As always, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch.