By Dr Shane Oliver – Head of Investment Strategy and Chief Economist, AMP | 14 July 2026 Key points Falling real wages and a surge in tax and interest payments over the last five years have led to a slump in Australians’ living standards. But a broader driver of the malaise in living standards has […]
By Dr Shane Oliver – Head of Investment Strategy and Chief Economist, AMP | 19 May 2026 Key points The oil supply shock remains a significant threat to economic growth and shares – particularly with the Strait of Hormuz remaining closed and oil reserves running down. It’s contributing to rising bond yields and putting pressure […]
This year’s Federal Budget includes a mix of measures that impact tax, housing, investments and everyday costs. While some changes may create opportunities, others may mean it’s worth reviewing existing plans and strategies. This overview is designed to help highlight some of the key measures that may be relevant across different stages of life. Your […]
1. It’s all about timing If you are making contributions and have a retail or industry super fund, please check the fund website for cut off dates or call our office. If you have a Self-Managed Super Fund, ensure pension payments leave the bank account by close of business on 30 June. Action: Aim to […]
By Dr Shane Oliver – Head of Investment Strategy and Economics and Chief Economist, AMP | 13 Apr 2026 Key points Uncertainty remains high over the US/Iran War with a ceasefire declared but no agreement in talks so far. Tensions continue to remain high and oil flows remain restricted, with Trump announcing his own blockade […]
By Dr Shane Oliver – Head of Investment Strategy and Economics and Chief Economist, AMP Capital | 2 Mar 2026 Key points The start of a war between the US and Israel and Iran poses the risk of a significant disruption to global economic growth given the likelihood of significant disruption to the supply of […]
By Dr Shane Oliver – Head of Investment Strategy and Economics and Chief Economist, AMP Capital | 17 Feb 2026 Key points This year has started off rather messy with geopolitical threats and worries around AI disruption and valuations. We are mildly upbeat on shares for the year but see a 15% or so correction […]
By Dr Shane Oliver – Head of Investment Strategy and Economics and Chief Economist, AMP Capital | 10 Feb 2026 Key points Keeping inflation low and around target is important in terms of maximising living standards in Australia. We are optimistic that much of the recent rise in inflation will prove temporary. But some may […]
By Dr Shane Oliver – Head of Investment Strategy and Economics and Chief Economist, AMP Capital | 3 Feb 2026 Key points The RBA hiked its cash rate by 0.25% to 3.85% as widely expected in response to inflation running above target. Its commentary was cautious and hawkish with inflation now expected to stay above […]
By Dr Shane Oliver – Head of Investment Strategy and Economics and Chief Economist, AMP Capital | 27 Jan 2026 Key points Economics provides a range of insights including that: there is no free lunch; prices in free markets are usually best at allocating scarce resources; government policy comes with benefits and costs; productivity underpins […]