What could change for taxpayers after the Federal Election? With the Federal election only weeks away, both major parties have set out their plans for taxation of superannuation, especially as it relates to SMSFs.  There are also new taxation plans for individuals and trusts.  But it can be hard to wade through all the policy speeches and interviews, so here is a quick summary of the current law and the possible changes to come after the election: Comparison of policy areas...

February 2019 Review - Markets continue strong recovery
The share market recovery experienced in January picked up further pace in February with leading indices across the globe recording solid gains. Some of the notable developments for the month included: Positive sentiment stemming from the hope of a trade agreement between the US and China Global bond yields remained steady, while Australian yields fell The benign outlook for interest rates supported listed infrastructu...

Investment Implications of franking credit changes. The proposed changes announced by the Federal Opposition to the way franking credits operate will have significant implications for some investors; but will have little to no impact for the majority of investors. Under the existing framework, franking credits exist to ensure that the dividends paid by companies to shareholders are effectively taxed at the marginal rate of the shareholder. As such, credits are passed through to the shar...

January 2019 Review - Share markets bounce back strongly A strong recovery on global equity markets over January saw approximately half of the December quarter decline reversed. Highlights for the month were as follows: A significant bounce back occurred across all major world share markets. Bond yields continued to drift lower as the U.S. Federal Reserve appeared to soften its stance. Lower bond yields resulted in significant gains on listed property and infrastructure marke...

We live in dynamic times - fads, fashions and trends seem to come and go. This is also true of small-medium businesses on average, in Australia, just over 1000 new business start-up each month. Even more alarming is the fact that according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, more than 60% of small businesses will cease operating within the first 3 years of them starting. So, it's refreshing and comforting to come across a business that has weathered the storm while gaining a s...