Crystal Wealth Partners

14/06/2023

Are you caught up in the EOFY flurry? Missing a chance to catch up on recent market updates? Our team of experts have got your sorted.

May was a somewhat challenging month for the Australian equity markets, as persistent readings on core inflation and rising interest rates continued to impact leading economic indicators.

The Reserve Bank of Australia surprised many Aussies with a 25-basis point increase to their policy rate in May.

The RBA is making it clear that its priority is to return inflation to its target band of 2% - 3% p.a. as inflation is forecasted to fall by mid 2025.

With strong population growth, weak productivity growth, increasing wage pressures and evidence from international experience the RBA can assume that inflation rates could still skyrocket on the upside.

The Australian equities finished lower in May, with the S&P/ASX200 down almost 3% since the previous month.

Want extra in-depth info on the current equity market? Sign up for our newsletter here: https://crystalwealth.com.au/

20/04/2023

When was the last time you reviewed your will?

Your will is the foundation of your estate plan – but is often overlooked or not fully understood.

It ensures that your assets reach your chosen beneficiaries in an efficient and tax-effective manner after you pass away. Without a will, the state laws and courts will decide how to distribute your assets, which can lead to unwanted results, delays, and high costs.

It’s important to consider these key factors when orchestrating your will:

- Executors
- Naming beneficiaries
- Providing for dependents
- Bequeathing monetary values
- Assigning assets to be held in trust for minors

Have you got any questions about your will or other components of your estate plan? Check out the full article below or reach out to us today at [email protected] to speak to one of our experts.

If you’re seeking expert financial planners who specialise in superannuation, tax structures and retirement, get in touch with our team.

30/03/2023

The Albanese Labor Government recently proposed new superannuation changes which would commence 1st July 2025.

How would this impact you and your super?

The change would affect the tax concessions on certain superannuation accounts, where you have a total super balance that exceeds $3 million.

Applying per person and not per superannuation fund, it would broadly see ‘earnings’ on all of an individual’s superannuation balance above $3 million subject to a new and additional 15% tax at the end of the 2025/26 financial year.

Do you need some guidance on your superannuation and retirement planning? Read the full article below or reach out to one of our advisors at [email protected].

https://crystalwealth.com.au/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-proposed-changes-to-superannuation-balances/

If you’re seeking expert financial planners who specialise in superannuation, tax structures and retirement, get in touch with our team.

27/03/2023

Whilst we’ve had a promising start to the year, and have continued their upward trajectory. This has seen a considerably negative impact on the market, with volatility on the rise across both bond and equity markets.

Outside of inflation, interest rates and the possibility of a recession, ongoing geopolitical tensions are also having an impact, resulting in a challenging investment environment in the short term.

Curious about how the expected market volatility can affect your portfolio in the long term? Get in touch with us today at [email protected] to speak to one of our experts.

Or sign up to get access to our expert updates: https://crystalwealth.com.au/

20/02/2023

The first month of 2023 saw US equities produce strong gains, with an interest rate peak in sight. Moderating inflation, a softening of the US dollar, the reopening of the Chinese economy and declining energy prices, also contributed to market gains.

Australian equities also started the year strong. Ten out of 11 sectors rose in January with Consumer Discretionary the leading sector, rising by almost 10% followed by Materials, which rose by almost 9%.

Looking to speak to someone about the impact on your portfolio? Drop us a line at [email protected] to speak with our experts.

07/02/2023

As 2023 kicks into full swing, we’re looking to the future at and what this year can bring to the markets and your investment portfolio.

Our Executive Director Tim Wedd has provided his insight into what you can expect to see in the year ahead:

- Expect volatility to remain as central banks continue the ‘rates adjustment’ process.
- Higher rates now mean fixed interest investments look better value than this time last year.
- The potential for things to turn out better than expected can lead to market surprises on the upside.
- Look to build some portfolio resilience for uncertain economic times.

Want to speak to Tim or require additional guidance on managing your portfolio? Reach out to us at [email protected].

12/01/2023

As we step into 2023, it's valuable to reflect on the past year as we prepare for looming market shifts in the year to come.

Overall, during 2022 the Federal Reserve hiked the overnight Federal Funds Rate by 4.25% in the final seven meetings to fight stubbornly high price pressures. The market appears to be maintaining its current view that the central bank is nearing the end of its current tightening cycle, given the more direct impact on the housing market of rate rises.

As a result, US equity benchmarks had their worst annual performance since 2008.

- Dow Jones Industrial Average was the relative outperformer for US equity benchmarks, falling nearly 8.8% over the calendar year
- The tech-heavy and growth-style NASDAQ 100 index fell by over 9% in December alone, bringing its calendar year performance down almost 33%
- The S&P500 was down almost 6% over the final month of the year, finishing 2022 down 19.4% for the year

Looking for clarity on how the above may impact you and your portfolio? Reach out to us directly at [email protected] to get in touch with one of our experts.

14/12/2022

Reflecting on the past month’s market shifts, November proved to be a bustling month. After what was a strong October, US equities continued to trend up, with retail sales also increasing by 9.4% compared to 2021.

The US Midterm elections are also expected to add to stability for markets, as a divided Congress is historically positive for stocks as it is more difficult for major policy changes to occur.

Locally, the RBA continued with smaller rate hikes this month, taking the cash rate to 3.10% to hopefully limit inflation.

Looking for guidance on how the above may impact you and your portfolio? Drop us a line at [email protected] to get in touch with one of our experts.

23/11/2022

Think you’re ineligible for a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card? You might want to think again.

As of 4 November, the Federal Government has substantially increased the income thresholds for both singles and couples, providing access to an additional 50,000 Australians.

Read our blog to see if you might be eligible, and don’t forget to sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates for finance tips & news.

https://bit.ly/3gqYt7m

If you’re of retirement age but still working, you may now be able to apply for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card thanks to a recent increase in the income limit test. As of the 4th November, the federal government has increased the income limit substantially for both singles and couples. The f...

16/11/2022

October showed signs of positivity across equity markets, a welcome shift after what has been a tough year. While returns for the month increased, the year-to-date return is still down.

Although there were positive results, the market environment has remained volatile as a result of:

- Rising interest rates
- Record inflation
- Ever-changing geopolitical tensions

Looking for more information on how the above may affect you? Our experts can provide you with the necessary guidance. Drop us a line at: [email protected]

31/10/2022

As market uncertainty continues, there are some indications that it may be starting to shift.

Goods-based inflation is lowering, indicated by:
- The fall in commodity prices
- Improvement in clogged supply chains
- Expected lower economic growth

However, service inflation (e.g. travel, hospitality, rents, etc) could be a potential rising issue, which will indicate what the overall impact will be on total inflation.

Considering what the above could mean for your portfolio? Send us an email at [email protected]

26/10/2022

The Federal Budget included measures intended to provide some relief from cost-of-living pressures, as well as other measures focused on modernising our economy and building in longer-term resilience. Improved funding for aged care, healthcare, paid parental leave and education from early childhood to TAFE provide a positive boost for women, families and the broader economy.

However, structural budget challenges remain and Australia’s taxation, superannuation and welfare systems will require further policy debate as part of the solution.

More detailed analysis of the Budget impact is coming out soon in our newsletter. Subscribe via our website for our experts' updates to be delivered directly to your inbox.

If you’re seeking expert financial planners who specialise in superannuation, tax structures and retirement, get in touch with our team.