Simplifying Investing

Share markets remain under pressure from several factors including high inflation, rising interest rates and bond yields, the war in Ukraine, and China’s COVID lockdowns. It’s still too early to say that markets have bottomed, however against all the negatives we may have seen peak inflation in the US, share market earnings are still rising and COVID numbers in China do appear to be slowing. So wh...

AMP’s Financial Wellness research indicates that around one in two Australians are concerned they don’t have enough money for retirement - it’s the most common fear experienced by retirees. With their last pay cheque approaching, many face the unsettling realisation they will soon need to live off their retirement savings. It’s a confronting situation. AMP’s General Manager, Retirement Solutions,...

Investing can lead to any number of questions at the best of times, but the current mix of high inflation, rising interest rates and political uncertainty makes for an even more complex investing landscape. Sometimes it’s important to refer back to the basics, and applying the fundamental principles of investing can often leave you more certain in your financial decision-making. In his latest epis...

For the first time since November 2010, the Reserve Bank of Australia has raised its official cash rate by 0.25%, taking it to 0.35% and signalling more rate hikes are ahead. So what could the cash rate look like by the end of 2022? How far will the central bank need to go to cool inflation? And what impact will rate hikes have on the nation's economic recovery? AMP Chief Economist Dr Shane Oliver...

With Australia’s inflation figures on the rise, all eyes are fixed on 3 May where the Reserve Bank of Australia will next meet. The RBA previously suggested it would hold any potential rate hike until after Australia goes to the polls on 21 May, but current conditions may see our central bank act sooner. So to what extent could the RBA raise interest rates? What are the implications for investors?...

Australia's political landscape has become somewhat less stable since the 2007 general election with six changes in Prime Minister, a 'minority government' at times, and a rise in the importance and influence of independent candidates. This mix of political instability has made sensible, visionary long-term policymaking that much harder. While undecided voters are left to ponder who they’d like to...

House prices always incite a lot of interest in Australia. Until recently it was all about surging prices and ever-worsening affordability as prices boomed. But the focus is shifting to the emerging slowdown in the face of rising interest rates. In the first edition of Oliver's Insights, AMP's Chief Economist, Dr. Shane Oliver, examines the impact of higher interest rates and the extent to which p...

The unrest in Ukraine has many concerned, and with the West imposing sanctions on Russia, what impact will this conflict have on the rest of the world? How effective are these sanctions in influencing the Kremlin? What impact will the conflict have on markets in the months ahead? And what does it all mean for Australian investors? AMP’s Chief Economist Dr Shane Oliver returns to the Simplifying In...

Last year, Australia’s house prices rose to the tune of more than 20 per cent, so regardless of whether you’re looking to buy in the city or find a home among the gumtrees, what should you know in 2022? Jade Financial Group’s Di Charman is no stranger to helping her clients wrestle with the big questions as they work towards their property goals. So, is there an appropriate amount of debt to have...

COVID continues to disrupt our lives and the way we do business, but will our fortunes improve in 2022? AMP Capital Chief Economist Dr Shane Oliver returns to the podcast to examine what could be in store for the next twelve months. Will inflation remain a thorn in the side of the Reserve Bank? What impact could Australia’s general election have on markets? Shane examines these questions and much...

Every single day, businesses and governments around the world are grappling with the issue of climate change, and it’s something that has been on just about everyone’s mind in 2021. So how are we doing when it comes to investing in our climate’s future, and what impact will it have on our own financial fortunes? This week, we sit down with AMP’s Head of Group Sustainability, Tom Treffry, to discus...

Alternative digital currencies have become a big topic of discussion in recent times, due in part to new technologies creating different ways to invest. Cryptocurrency is one that has a lot of people talking, so this week on the Simplifying Investing series, AMP Capital’s Chief Economist, Dr Shane Oliver joins us to break down everything from how secure it is, what its commercial future looks like...

Australia’s property market has created wealth for millions of people, but for those looking to break into it for the first time, it’s a difficult prospect. New research shows Sydney’s property prices are the highest they’ve been in a decade, while in Melbourne, the city’s median house prices are now creeping up towards the $1 million mark. This week on the Simplifying Investing series, AMP Capita...

Why is receiving that last paycheque so daunting? How you can plan for the future to ensure you are comfortable and confident when it comes time to retire? Di Charman, an AMP Financial Planning representative from Jade Financial Group, joins us again to discuss how you can feel at ease when that final date comes around, and the best ways to secure your financial freedom in retirement. Important in...

How do you transition to retirement, or even prepare for it? And when is the right time to start? As we move through life, our aspirations evolve and so will our financial needs. In this episode, we talk to Jade Financial Group's Di Charman. As an AMP Financial Planning representative, Di devotes her time to helping clients secure a smooth transition to life after work. Di's work focuses on teachi...

With the responsible investment market in Australia now worth more than $1.2 trillion and growing 15 times faster than the rest of the market, it’s clear that environmental and social factors have started playing a bigger role in how people chose to invest their money. This week, we are joined by AMP’s Head of Group Sustainability, Tom Treffry to discuss ESG, what it is, and the importance of resp...

In this bonus episode of Simplifying Super, we dive into the ‘Your Future, Your Super’ reforms that were announced as part of the 2020-21 Federal Budget. With efficiency and transparency at the core of these reforms, what changes are being made to provide the best outcomes for super members? AMP’s Senior Manager Advocacy & Technical Services, Kelly Kerr, joins the program to share her expert knowl...

Have you ever wondered what a self-managed super fund is and whether it's right for you? This week, we sit down with SuperConcepts' Executive Manager, Graeme Colley, to chat through the basics of the SMSF, and offer you an insight into whether an SMSF is the best vehicle to help save for your retirement. Important information: This podcast is general in nature and hasn’t taken your circumstances i...

When it comes to preparing for your retirement, there is no such thing as a silly question. That’s why AMP’s Workplace Education Manager Jess Arambulo meets with super members to help them map out their future. In this episode, Jess answers the top five most common questions she faces, and examines topics including fee structures, the benefits of salary sacrificing and why it’s important to nomina...

Have you ever wondered who keeps your super safe until you retire? This week, AMP Australia’s Workplace Solutions General Manager, Briony Barclay-Ridge joins us to explain how the superannuation savings of members are held within trusts and the role of the trustee board of directors that oversee that fund. Important information: This podcast is general in nature and hasn’t taken your circumstances...

Dr. Shane Oliver, AMP Capital's Head of Investment Strategy and Chief Economist, shares his top five investment mantras. This is the second of two episodes featuring Dr. Oliver’s insights on investments and superannuation. Important information: This podcast is general in nature and hasn’t taken your circumstances into account. Remember the value of investments may go up or down and you may not ge...

Dr Shane Oliver, AMP Capital's Head of Investment Strategy and Chief Economist, discusses Australia’s improving economic growth, low interest rates and what it all means for superannuation growth assets. This is the first of two episodes featuring Dr Oliver's insights on investments and superannuation. Important information: This podcast is general in nature and hasn’t taken your circumstances int...

With end of financial year just around the corner, learn about options to maximise your super balance and even save on tax. In the second episode of a two-part special, AMP superannuation expert John Perri shares end of year strategies for super. Important information: This podcast is general in nature and hasn’t taken your circumstances into account. Any general tax information provided is intend...

With end of financial year just around the corner, learn about options to maximise your super balance and even save on tax. In the first of a two-part special, AMP superannuation expert John Perri shares end of year strategies for super. Important information: This podcast is general in nature and hasn’t taken your circumstances into account. Any general tax information provided is intended as a g...

Whether retirement feels light years away or finally within reach, it’s never too early to start preparing for a comfortable retirement. In the final instalment of our special retirement series, we chat to AMP’s Technical Strategy Manager John Perri about the aged pension and tips for tips for retirement planning. Important information: This podcast is general in nature and hasn’t taken your circu...