This trend has become particularly pronounced among those aged 55 to 64, a demographic that has seen homeownership without a mortgage nearly halved over the past two decades. Many are facing the harsh reality of continuing to work well into their late sixties, driven largely by substantial mortgage debts. Linda…

By DFK Australia New Zealand In the competitive world of accounting, standing out from the crowd is essential for success. One effective way to gain a competitive edge is by joining a professional association tailored to your industry. A professional association offers more than just membership—it provides a range of…

According to the latest report from Cut Through Venture, investments plummeted from $1.5 billion in the June quarter to $695 million. This downturn has been largely attributed to a lack of transactions exceeding $100 million, with capital raises above $50 million also reaching multi-year lows. In response to these challenges,…

This phenomenon occurs when brands reduce the quantity of a product while maintaining the same price, often in the hope that shoppers won’t notice the subtle changes. Major retailers have faced scrutiny from the competition watchdog for alleged deceptive pricing practices, leading to discussions about zoning law reforms and a…

This report marks the midpoint of a comprehensive year-long investigation initiated by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in January, aimed at assessing the market power of these retail giants and any barriers new competitors may face. As part of its inquiry, the ACCC engaged with over 21,000 customers, who expressed rising…

The latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) indicates that the number of employed rose by 47,500, while the unemployed population declined by 10,500 in seasonally adjusted terms. This consistent rate of 4.1 per cent in trend terms has been maintained for three consecutive months. Reserve Bank officials…

According to the RBA’s chief economist, Sarah Hunter, while unemployment is projected to rise further, it is not yet sufficient to curb persistent inflationary pressures. Recent data reveals that unemployment has climbed to 4.2 per cent as of July, a notable increase from the 3.5 per cent recorded a year…

During a speech at the Anika Foundation fundraising lunch in Sydney, Bullock acknowledged the considerable strain on Australian households and businesses due to the current cash rate, which stands at a 13-year high of 4.35 per cent. Bullock admitted that some borrowers are facing severe financial difficulties, with about 5…

Recent analysis by Deloitte Access Economics reveals a stark reality: real retail spending has decreased in six of the past seven quarters, with per capita retail expenditure showing even steeper declines. Specifically, real per capita retail spending has contracted for eight consecutive quarters, standing 2.5% below June 2023 levels and…

Job seekers might find themselves facing a challenging environment as companies shift their focus towards retaining and upskilling their existing workforce rather than hiring new employees. Nicole Gorton, director at Robert Half, notes that businesses are more inclined to enhance the skills of their current staff to fill gaps rather…