We are a proud member of the Financial Services Online network!
Connect with us on your favourite social media platform for the latest financial news, views, tips, tricks, resources and information.
While the IMF described Australia's economy as "resilient", it also identified "sticky" inflation as a cause for concern. Although inflation is gradually declining, it remains significantly above the RBA's target, and output continues to exceed potential levels.
Based on these findings, the IMF recommended further monetary policy tightening to bring inflation back within the target range by 2025 and minimize the risk of de-anchoring inflation expectations.
The RBA's central bank board is scheduled to meet next Tuesday to discuss the possibility of increasing the cash rate. Economists are predicting a rate hike to 4.35%, driven by stronger-than-expected inflation data.
In September, annual headline inflation fell to 5.4% from June's 6%, but quarterly inflation grew by 1.2% during the three-month period.
The IMF commended the government's decision to allocate the extra tax revenue generated by high commodity prices towards achieving the first budget surplus in 15 years.
However, the IMF also emphasized the need for both federal and state governments to scale back on infrastructure projects to ease the burden on mortgage holders in the fight against inflation.
"Given supply constraints, the Commonwealth government and state and territory governments should implement public investment projects at a more measured and coordinated pace to alleviate inflationary pressures and support the RBA's efforts towards disinflation," the IMF advised.
The fund warned that failure to adjust the pace of infrastructure projects would require even higher interest rates, placing a disproportionate burden on mortgage holders.
As a result of the IMF's recommendations, the federal government is currently reviewing its major infrastructure projects.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers lauded the report as a "glowing endorsement" of the government's management of the economy, stating that it highlighted their effective cost of living plan and responsible economic approach that aids in the fight against inflation.
While Chalmers refrained from commenting on whether the RBA should increase rates at its upcoming meeting, he affirmed that he does not preempt decisions independently made by the Reserve Bank.
Published:Saturday, 4th Nov 2023
Source: financialservicesonline.com.au
| New Challenges for Aussie Home Buyers 29 Nov 2023: .financialservicesonline.com.au The latest ANZ CoreLogic Housing Affordability Report for November has revealed a 'triple whammy' effect on prospective home buyers in Australia. Affordability has worsened for not only buyers but also mortgage holders and renters, and unfortunately, the situation is predicted to deteriorate further by 2024. - read more |
| Baby Boomers' Spending Habits: A Challenge for RBA 28 Nov 2023: .financialservicesonline.com.au Last week's release of spending data by Commbank IQ has shed light on a concerning trend that is most likely causing headaches within the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). - read more |
| Rise in Small Businesses Complaints to AFCA Indicates Growing Concerns 24 Nov 2023: .financialservicesonline.com.au In the 2022-23 financial year, small businesses lodged a total of 3,807 complaints with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), indicating a significant increase of 9% compared to the previous year. As a result of these complaints, small businesses received $23.4 million in compensation and refunds, marking a 16% increase from the previous financial year. - read more |
| Why Embracing AI Can Enhance Your Financial Advice Business 23 Nov 2023: .financialservicesonline.com.au Sue Viskovic, the founder of consulting firm Elixir Consulting, highlights the importance of incorporating AI into financial advice businesses in an upcoming episode of the IFA podcast. While there may be apprehension regarding the role of digital tools in providing advice, Viskovic emphasizes the continued need for human interaction and trust. - read more |
| New Insights on Inflation and the Australian Economy 22 Nov 2023: .financialservicesonline.com.au Reserve Bank governor Michele Bullock has issued a warning, stating that inflation will continue to be a 'crucial challenge' for the Australian economy in the next one or two years. While many attribute the current inflationary pressures to supply-side constraints, Bullock emphasizes the underlying demand component that central banks are trying to address. - read more |
| Gen Zs Financial Concerns Outweigh Other Generations 18 Nov 2023: .financialservicesonline.com.au Financial matters are causing significant worry among Gen Z individuals, with a staggering 68% feeling the pressure according to the recent research findings by ASIC's Moneysmart program, surpassing the concerns of any other age group. This release coincides with the introduction of a fresh consumer awareness campaign by Moneysmart, aimed at empowering Gen Z individuals to quickly acquire fundamental financial knowledge and develop positive fiscal habits. - read more |
| The Importance of Teaching Financial Literacy to Youth 17 Nov 2023: .financialservicesonline.com.au During a recent outreach program at Penrhos College, Wealth Designers senior financial adviser Dawn Thomas asked a group of Year 9 students about the cohort with the least amount of superannuation. To their surprise, the answer was not what they expected. - read more |
| AMP's New Business-Focused Digital Bank 17 Nov 2023: .financialservicesonline.com.au AMP Group has announced its plans to launch a digital bank designed for sole traders and small businesses, expected to be operational by early 2025. This venture, aimed at disrupting a ready market, will see AMP partner with Engine by Starling, a UK-based neobank subsidiary, to leverage its modular platform for a scalable and robust infrastructure. - read more |
| Study Finds 1 in 10 Aussies Unprepared for Financial Challenges 11 Nov 2023: .financialservicesonline.com.au A recent study conducted by MLC reveals that while most Australians recognize the importance of superannuation in achieving financial independence, a significant portion of the population feels ill-prepared to overcome unexpected financial hurdles. The study, called the Financial Freedom study, shows that although many Aussies are actively working towards improving their financial wellbeing, additional assistance is needed to achieve financial objectives and adequately plan for retirement. - read more |
| Understanding the Recent RBA Interest Rate Hike 08 Nov 2023: .financialservicesonline.com.au Yesterday, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) made the decision to increase interest rates once again. This move comes as inflation in Australia remains stubbornly high and more persistent than anticipated. While there has been some improvement in goods price inflation, the prices of various services continue to rise rapidly. - read more |
| Where To Get A Debt Consolidation Loan When You Have Bad Credit If you find yourself struggling under the weight of multiple loans, credit cards and other personal debts it can be hard to know where to turn for help. Your lenders may simply be unwilling or unable to give you any wriggle-room. If you find yourself in this situation, then it might be worth exploring the option of online debt consolidation loans - read more
|
| Co-Signing Loans - Risky Business There may come a time in your life when you are asked to co-sign for a loan or credit card. If this is the case, there are several things to consider before making a final decision. Technically, you are putting yourself at risk of damaging your own credit in the event that the loan goes unpaid. - read more
|
| Understanding and Improving Your Credit Score: A Guide for Australian Consumers Your credit score is a crucial factor that lenders use to determine your creditworthiness and your ability to repay loans and credit card debts. It is a numerical representation of your credit history, and it ranges from 0 to 1,000. The higher your credit score, the more likely you are to be approved for a loan or credit card, and to be offered lower interest rates. - read more
|
| Unlocking the Secret to Solving Public Transport: Why Your Workplace Location Matters The relationship between our workplace location and the availability of transportation options has a significant impact on our commuting choices. Inner-city and CBD workers enjoy an extensive range of options for public transport, walking and cycling, due to the proximity of their residences to their place of work. - read more
|
| Handling Financial Situations As a Married, Unmarried Or Divorced Woman Whether you are in a committed relationship or are a happy single person, you should make it a top priority to understand your finances. This article will highlight some of the key points that you need to understand to take control of your finances and your financial goals. - read more
|
| 3 Simple, Effective Tips For DIY Debt Settlement Here we share 3 simple tips to eliminate your debt problems... so you can move on with life without the constant financial stress of dealing with creditors and collection agencies. To get out of debt, though, you do need to put in a little effort, and that's where understanding the process comes in. - read more
|
| 7 things you need to know about a Hire Purchase loan There are seven things you should know before you ever think of getting a Hire Purchase loan. Knowing these things will give you control and power in the loan process. Power and control will will save you money - read more
|
| Credit Card Secret Guarantee Most people use credit cards in some form or another but few truly appreciate one of the special features of credit cards that make using their credit card to insure their purchases. - read more
|
| Managing Credit Card Debt If your credit card debt is starting to get out of control - or you simply want to know how to avoid potential credit card pitfalls, you are not alone. Managing credit cards is a problem faced by many who are now drowning in an ocean of debt. Here are some simple strategies that may be of help. - read more
|
| Default and Reposession Most people would assume that a default under a loan contract means that payments haven't been made but, as you are about to learn, there are other reasons why a lender may have the right to repossession. - read more
|