October brings longer days and new spring growth, making it a natural point to take stock before the final stretch of the year.
The Reserve Bank lifted the cash rate by 0.25% to 4.6% in September, responding to inflation that has proved stickier than hoped, with CPI rising to 4.0%. The move was largely anticipated by markets, and while it adds pressure to household budgets, the RBA’s view is that stronger than expected economic activity gives the economy room to absorb it. Share markets eased from recent highs as bond yields climbed, oil prices moved back above US$100 a barrel, and the Australian dollar settled around US70 cents.
Periods like this are a reminder of why a well-structured plan matters, so you can stay the course rather than react to the headlines.
In this issue, we cover…
- Signals from the bond markets: Bond yields have been climbing worldwide as investors rethink the outlook for inflation and government borrowing. Even if you’ve never bought a bond directly, chances are they’re in your super, so understanding what the bond market is telling us matters more than many realise.
- The new aged care reality: A year on from the new Aged Care Act, older Australians and their families are navigating changed funding arrangements, higher costs for new entrants, and growing demand. Understanding how Support at Home and residential care fees now work can help you plan well before care is needed.
- Mastering AI: it’s all in the prompts: AI is changing how we work and live, but you don’t need to be technical to benefit. Treating it as a thinking partner, with a few well-crafted prompts, can help you organise priorities, learn faster, and make clearer decisions.
As always, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch.