As we step into a new financial year, the financial landscape is showing signs of renewed momentum. With global markets navigating uncertainty and opportunity in equal measure, investors are watching closely for signals that could shape the months ahead.

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has decided to hold the official cash rate at 3.85%, continuing its cautious approach as it monitors inflation and economic conditions both at home and abroad.

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Listen to Planet Money’s “Tariff’s: What are the good for?”

In a significant cybersecurity breach, several large Australian superannuation funds, including AustralianSuper, Australian Retirement Trust, Rest, Hostplus, and Insignia, have been targeted by a coordinated cyberattack. The hackers, likely using stolen passwords, accessed accounts and targeted those in the pension drawdown phase for lump sum withdrawals.

The 2025 Federal Budget included a surprise $17 billion in tax cuts from Treasurer Jim Chalmers, starting in July 2026 and 2027, saving the average earner $536 annually. The budget focuses on cost-of-living relief, strengthening Medicare, building homes, investing in education, and economic growth.

As we move into April, and hot on the heels of the recent Federal Budget, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a national election for May 3 - kicking off an April campaign centred on tax cuts and cost-of-living relief.

As winter approaches and the weather grows cooler, commentary around the 2024-25 Federal Budget is heating up, with the government facing the tension between addressing cost of living pressures without contributing to rising inflation.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has high hopes that his 2024 Federal Budget will rein in inflation earlier than expected, ease cost-of-living pressures and build a stronger economy in the future.

As the end of financial year gets closer, some investors are thinking about the most effective ways to boost their super balance, particularly with an increase in the caps on contributions from 1 July.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced changes to address ongoing cost of living pressures with all 13.6 million Australian taxpayers receiving a tax cut from 1 July 2024, compared to the tax they paid in 2023-24.

Since the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) raised the official cash rate to 4.35% in November, speculation about potential rate cuts has been rife among economists and homeowners. With inflation slowing and the RBA's target of 2-3% in sight, attention now turns to when variable rate home loan borrowers might experience relief.

Let’s take a look back at key market trends and economic indicators from March.

Expectations of interest rate cuts later this year in Australia and the United States fuelled activity in the markets last month. The S&P/ASX 200 ended March on another all-time high. Mining shares are driving the market with gold, iron ore and lithium all rebounding. In particular, gold’s rise and rise saw it close at its highest ever US$2,230 an ounce as investors seek a safe haven from geopolitical tensions and interest rate falls.

In the grand theatre of life, women often find themselves at the centre stage, gracefully juggling the complexities of a thriving career and the responsibilities of a fulfilling family life. The narrative of women seamlessly navigating the delicate dance between work and family is an inspiring tale of resilience, determination, and the unwavering spirit to excel on all fronts.

As we embark on a new year, the economic landscape continues to evolve, shaped by global events, policies, and market forces. What does 2024 hold for us in the realm of finance and economics? Let's peer into the crystal ball and explore the potential economic forecast for the year ahead.

Embarking on the journey of wealth creation often involves smart financial strategies, and one such strategy that has gained traction is debt recycling. If you're wondering how to turn your existing debts into a powerful tool for building wealth, buckle up – we're about to explore the fascinating world of debt recycling.

So, you've decided it's time to spread your wings and take that exciting leap into homeownership. Congratulations! But, let's face it, navigating the world of real estate can be a maze of challenges, especially when it comes to saving up for that first dream home. Enter the superhero of savings – the First Home Super Saver (FHSS) Scheme.

Australia’s economy stubbornly defied predictions during 2023, dashing any hopes that we might begin to return to some kind of normal.

Some had expected an end to the Reserve Bank’s continued cash rate rises during the year. Instead, inflation has been a stubborn foe and we saw five rate rises, adding another 1.25%. But there was good news for property investors with an increase in prices in some cities.

Ever wondered about passing on your hard-earned cash to the kids? Turns out, most Aussies have. They have this burning desire to share the wealth with the next generation. But guess what? They're scratching their heads, wondering, "How do we make that happen?" Fear not, because according to a fresh report from Fidelity International and MYMAVINS, financial advisers are like the superheroes swooping in to save the day.

After a summer of quite extreme weather in many places around Australia, we can hopefully look forward to the cooler, calmer weather that Autumn brings.

While economic bright spots can be found in Australia right now, there are also some less than stellar results.

It’s November, and all eyes were on the “race that stops a nation” and the Reserve Bank who met on the same day and increased the cash rate by 0.25% to 4.35%. While this is good news for savers, it's additional pressure on mortgage holders, who will not have seen these highs since November 2011.