Economist

Oliver’s insights Australian home prices up on supply shortfall, but at risk from high rates

2 November

Key points – Australian home prices rose again in October, with the supply shortfall on the back of record immigration dominating. Prices are now on track for a 9% gain this year. – While the supply shortfall is likely to continue there is a...[Read More]

Oliver’s insights – Five constraints on medium term investment returns

26 October

Key points – Five megatrends suggest higher medium term inflation pressures & lower economic growth than pre-pandemic. – These are: a move away from economic rationalist policies; the reversal of globalisation; rising geopolitical tensions;...[Read More]

Oliver’s insights – The threat of higher oil and petrol prices flowing from the war in Israel

19 October

Key points – The war in Israel has added to the upside risks to oil prices and downside risks to shares in the near term. – If Iran stays out of the conflict & a major supply disruption is avoided the impact on shares should ultimately be...[Read More]

Oliver’s insights 1987 vs now – rising bond yields (& war in Israel) and the risks for shares

12 October

Key points – The rise in bond yields has left shares offering a low risk premium over bonds leaving them at risk of more softness. – The conflict in Israel has added to the risk, although the threat should be minimal if Iran is not drawn in...[Read More]

Oliver’s insights – For what it’s worth: why what you pay for an investment is a key driver of its return…and how do valuations look now?

28 September

Key points – Starting point valuations – like yields and price to earnings ratios – are key drivers of medium-term investment returns. – For growth assets it’s often more complicated, with the level of interest rates playing a big...[Read More]

Oliver’s insights – immigration and housing affordability Why immigration should be lower

21 September

Key points – The key drivers of expensive housing in Australia have been low interest rates and a chronic housing supply shortfall. – Thankfully Australian governments are now focussing on boosting supply, but this will face various constraints...[Read More]

Oliver’s insights – has the RBA finished rate hikes?

14 September

Key points – It’s likely that the RBA’s cash rate has peaked with numerous indicators pointing to slower economic growth and inflationary pressures easing. – While the risk in the short term is still on the upside for rates or a delay to...[Read More]

Oliver’s insights – Three reasons to err on the side of optimism as an investor

7 September

Key points – The natural human tendency to focus on bad news, the increased availability of information and the rise of social media are magnifying perceptions around worries and making it easier to be pessimistic. – However, to succeed as an...[Read More]

Oliver’s insights – China’s slowdown and structural challenges and implications for Australia

24 August

Key points – China’s economy is slowing not helped by a property collapse and longer-term structural constraints around poor demographics and threats to productivity growth. – China needs to save less and spend more, and this requires...[Read More]

Oliver’s insights Why the need to lift productivity and why it might be hard

17 August

Key points – The last 20 years have seen a slump in productivity growth in Australia from over 2% pa to less than 1% pa. This has curtailed growth in living standards and real wages. It will adversely affect asset class returns if allowed to...[Read More]

Oliver’s insights – recession versus goldilocks, five reasons why we could still avoid recession

10 August

Key points – Rapid monetary tightening points to a high risk of recession and, given lags in the way it impacts the economy, just because it hasn’t happened yet does not mean it won’t. – However, a combination of falling inflation, a lack...[Read More]

Oliver’s insights – the confusing economic picture

27 July

Why you need to know the difference between leading and lagging economic indicators Key points For nearly 30 years Australia had benign economic cycles so the current environment may be a bit of a shock for many. Still low unemployment and still...[Read More]

Oliver’s insights – seven key charts for investors to keep an eye on, Where are they now?

20 July

Key points Shares are at risk of a short term pull back and volatility will likely remain high on central bank and recession risks. However, we remain reasonably upbeat on a 12-month view as falling inflation takes pressure off interest...[Read More]

Oliver’s insights – 15 common sense tips to help manage your finances (11/7)

13 July

Key points Getting your personal finances right can be a challenge at times. Here are some common-sense tips that may be of use: – Shop around when it comes to financial services. – Don’t take on too much debt. – Allow for interest rate to...[Read More]

Oliver’s insights – 2022-23 saw investment returns rebound – but is it sustainable? (6/7)