Archived News for Finance Sector Professionals
Business confidence in Australia has held onto its gains from December, with reduced global fears giving the economy a much needed respite from lagging major industries and weak orders.
Housing prices on the rise
Seven of the country’s eight capital cities recorded a bump in housing prices for the December quarter, according to the latest figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Private health premiums to increase by 5.6 per cent
Private health insurance premiums are set to increase by an average of 5.6 per cent from April, according to the latest figures released by the Federal Government.
Commonwealth Bank launches self-directed investor service
The Commonwealth Bank has announced the launch of its new MyWealth service, which it says is the response to the needs of growing numbers of self-directed investors.
Unemployment rate steady at 5.4 per cent
Unemployment has remained steady at 5.4 per cent in January, according to statistics released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
ACCC kicks off Federal Court proceedings against Visa
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has formally commenced Federal Court proceedings against Visa Inc, alleging a series of contraventions of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 in relation to dynamic currency conversion services (DCC).
Government pledges tax transparency for large businesses
The Federal Government has flagged its intention to improve the transparency of the country’s business tax system, with a specific eye on improving practices surrounding large and multinational businesses.
ABA releases improved Code of Banking Practice
The Australian Bankers’ Association (ABA) has released an revised Code of Banking Practice, which it says provides improved rights for customers and sets out a binding minimum standard of service.
Approvals fall in December
The number of dwellings approved fell 4.4 per cent in December, according to the recently released ABS Building Approvals figures. The fall comes after a 3.4 per cent rise in November.
Credit growth hits 4.1 per cent
The nation’s demand for credit grew by 4.1 per cent over the 2012 year, according to the latest data released by commercial data specialist Veda.
GST no deterrent for online shoppers
The application of the GST to online shopping would have little to no impact on the appetite of shoppers, a new study conducted by MasterCard has shown.
New CFO for AMP Capital
AMP Capital has announced the appointment of Margaret Payn as the group’s new Chief Financial Officer.
Pipeline runneth dry in 2013
The investment pipeline of mega-resources projects is set to begin to decline after a report released by Deloitte shows that such projects are ‘hurtling towards a peak, likely in 2013’.
CFOs leave the jitters behind
A third of the country’s Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) are more optimistic compared to last quarter, according to the latest Deloitte Quarterly CFO Survey.
Companies upbeat on Chinese economy
A new survey shows that Australian business leaders in China believe the Asian Century will bring a wealth of new opportunities.
CPI growth flattens
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by just 0.2 per cent in the December quarter 2012, according to the latest round of data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
New ICAA Board appointments
The Institute of Charted Accountants Australia (ICAA) has announced the makeup of its Board for 2013, with Tim Gullifer taking the position of President.
Unemployment up to 5.4 per cent
Australia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose 0.1 per cent to finish at 5.4 per cent in the December quarter of 2012.
Changes slated for Franchising Code of Conduct
The Federal Government has announced the formation of a review into the Franchising Code of Conduct, with Minister for Small Business, Brendan O’Connor, calling for submissions from the franchising sector.
New CEO for Genesys Wealth
AMP Financial Services has appointed Paul Robertson as Managing Director of Genesys Wealth Advisers reporting to AMP Director, Financial Advice Network Andrew Waddell.
Fox named new AFA chief
The Treasurer and Interim CEO of the Association of Financial Advisers, Brad Fox, has been named as the association’s new CEO following the departure of Richard Kiplin.