Highlights:

OCTOBER 2019
• Some indicators point to a heightened risk of recession in the US, but for now inflation remains slightly above target and wages are still expected to rise.
• The global downturn in manufacturing is deepening, although the services sector remains a bright spot, supported by consumer spending.
• UK prime minister Boris Johnson remains hamstrung by the parliament and will continue negotiating the fraught issue of the Irish backstop.
• The Chinese economy is feeling the pinch from the trade war as authorities continue to free up liquidity and increase spending on infrastructure to support growth.
• Given the softness in Australian economic growth and inflation, the RBA is increasingly likely to cut rates a further 25 basis points to 0.50% by early 2020.

Check out the below PDF for detailed insights.

October Market Update

Highlights:

SEPTEMBER 2019
• The US economy remains supported by robust consumer spending and jobs growth, but trade uncertainty is having a negative effect on business investment.
• Markets strongly expect the US Fed to lower interest rates at its September meeting as Powell stated the Fed would “act as appropriate to sustain this expansion.”
• The UK’s new prime minster Boris Johnson threatened to suspend parliament until 14 October if it does not agree to hold a general election.
• Chinese economic news has been on the soft side, with the impact of the trade war reflected in falling industrial production growth and a contraction in manufacturing.
• The Australian economy  recorded its worst GDP result  since the GFC, vindicating the RBA’s latest round of easing and setting expectations for further cuts.

Check out the below PDF for detailed insights.

 Market Update September

NEED A FEW IDEAS FOR SOME HOLIDAY FUN?
As a parent, or grandparent, it can sometimes seem that school holidays come around all too often. While school holidays vary in each state, children have around 12–13 weeks of holidays each year, including public holidays, with some private schools having even more. 
As most full time employees have just four weeks leave, many of us can’t always be at home for the school holidays. And even stay-at-home parents can struggle to keep the kids amused for that length of time. 
So here are five ways you can make the holidays enjoyable for everyone:
Organise a play date
Having your child invite over a good friend over can be a great way to keep them happy – while you get on with other jobs around the home. Best of all, it usually means that your child will have a play date at their friend’s place later.
Be a tourist in your own town
Take your dinosaur-obsessed child to the museum, enjoy the natural beauty of a national park, or pack a hamper and have a picnic in the park. Also, check the activities your local council has on -anything from festivals and fairs to walking tours and more.
Try something new
If your child’s school term is packed with after-school activities, let them try something new these holidays. Think circus skills, ice-skating or horse riding – or simply an activity they haven’t had time for when they are at school. Or if they’re passionate about an activity they already do, send them to a clinic to help build their skills. 
There are plenty of options, from soccer, surfing or tennis camps, to activities that feed their creative sides, like drama and art.
Give them time
Experts say that a little boredom can help children develop their creativity and sense of self. So don’t resort to screen time when they say they’re bored. Instead, let them create their own fun as children have always done, playing in the garden, painting a picture, creating a puppet show, or doing craftwork.
Want to know more?
As well as planning what you’re going to do you should also budget for extra costs. Speak with one of our experienced Advisers to help you create a budget that works for you and your family on 8223 3774.
Important information and disclaimer
This publication is issued by Greg Stevens CAR . Launce Kent and Corey Roberts, Trading in Partnership as Stevens Roberts Financial Planning (ABN. 04169074) ABN. 63 277 397 276 are authorised representatives of Meritum Financial Group Pty Ltd, ABN 93 106 888 215 an Australian Financial Services Licensee 245569
Any advice in this publication is of a general nature only and has not been tailored to your personal circumstances. Accordingly, reliance should not be placed on this document as the basis for making any investment, financial or other decision. Please seek personal advice prior to acting on this information.
Information in this publication is accurate as at date of writing, February 2015. In some cases the information has been provided to us by third parties. While it is believed the information is accurate and reliable, the accuracy of that information is not guaranteed in any way. 
Opinions constitute our judgement at the time of issue and are subject to change. Neither the Licensee nor any member of the NAB Group, nor their employees or directors give any warranty of accuracy, nor accept any responsibility for errors or omissions in this publication. 
Any tax information provided in this publication is intended as a guide only and is based on our general understanding of taxation laws. It is not intended to be a substitute for specialised taxation advice or a complete assessment of your liabilities, obligations or claim entitlements that arise, or could arise, under taxation law, and we recommend you consult with a registered tax agent.

So you’ve found your dream home, but it’s in need of a little TLC. While others may see this as a deterrent, this is actually a great opportunity to nab the house of your dreams at a price tag that’s within your means. Here’s how to tactfully negotiate the price without ruining your chances of securing the property.

Tip #1: Never enter a negotiation empty-handed

Whether it’s hiring inspectors for a building and pest report, or obtaining quotes from tradespeople, obtaining facts and figures will give you ammunition when requesting a price reduction.

“Even if it costs you extra, it’s worth getting all the information before making your offer. People often underestimate how much repairs will cost,” says a real estate agent.

Tip #2: Separate your emotions

The most tactful way to negotiate is to eliminate all emotions, advises the agent. “Try to separate yourself from the outcome and present your side logically. The owner is under no obligation to accept what you offer, no matter how well you present your points. So if things don’t go your way, being negative won’t do you any favours.”

Tip #3: Remember this is someone else’s house

Negotiation is a two-way street, so in order to come to an agreement, concessions will have to be made on both sides. “Try to understand what is important to the owner,” advises the agent. “What can you offer to counteract the price reduction you’re after? Perhaps a longer settlement period so they can find a new home? It’s little enticements like this that can often be much more valuable than a couple of extra dollars.”

Tip #4: If you don’t ask, the answer is always going to be no

“I’ve heard a lot of weird and wonderful requests when it comes to purchasing a house, so really you can ask for anything. Whether or not it will be accepted is another thing,” advises the agent.

From wanting certain fixtures included in the sale price, to extra inspection requests, you won’t know what the owners are happy to give if you don’t voice your desires. However, before you go wild with requests, think about what is most important to you, as realistically the owners aren’t likely to budge on everything.

“In theory, you can inspect a property as many times as you like. In practice though, it will depend on your agent’s availability and whether or not the owner is currently living in the property,” says the agent. “You might put off the owner if you are constantly disrupting their day, so as an alternative I’d suggest visiting the street at different times during the week. You don’t have to enter the actual home to get a vibe of what the neighbourhood is like.”

A house that requires a bit of repair work is a great bargaining tool and generally an opportunity to secure a good price.

Source:

Reproduced with the permission of the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) 

Important:

This provides general information and hasn’t taken your circumstances into account. It’s important to consider your particular circumstances before deciding what’s right for you. Although the information is from sources considered reliable, we do not guarantee that it is accurate or complete. You should not rely upon it and should seek qualified advice before making any investment decision. Except where liability under any statute cannot be excluded, we do not accept any liability (whether under contract, tort or otherwise) for any resulting loss or damage of the reader or any other person.

Any information provided by the author detailed above is separate and external to our business and our Licensee. Neither our business, nor our Licensee take any responsibility for their action or any service they provide.

ThreeSixty Research – Market update for March 2017

Download the full report below.

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If you would like to speak with one of our FInancial Advisers, please call us on 8223 3774

This advice may not be suitable to you because it contains general advice that has not been tailored to your personal circumstances. Please seek personal financial and tax and/or legal advice prior to acting on this information. The material contained in this newsletter is based on information received in good faith from sources within the market, and on our understanding of legislation and Government press releases at the date of publication, which are believed to be reliable and accurate. Opinions constitute our judgement at the time of issue and are subject to change. Neither, the Licensee or any of the National Australia group of companies, nor their employees or directors give any warranty of accuracy, nor accept any responsibility for errors or omissions in this email.