Michele Levine, CEO, Roy Morgan Research, comments on the findings in State of the Nation 25: Spotlight on Financial Risk

Original article by Roy Morgan Research
Market Research Update – Page: Online : 26-Aug-16

The end of the mining boom in Australia presents the Australian economy with many pressing challenges – and some of the biggest involve the potential for a slowing Australian economy to increase mortgage stress around the country, and also to lead to diminished superannuation balances for Australians heading towards retirement. The casualisation of the Australian work-force with an increasing proportion of Australians working part-time rather than full-time means many Australians are forced to save less for their retirement whilst the ability to pay current bills, including mortgage payments, is also crimped. In addition, the persistently low interest rates in Australia mean the amount required for retirement actually increases as annual returns on investments follow interest rates lower. Follow this link to view the full State of the Nation 25: Spotlight on Financial Risk Powerpoint presentation PDF.

CORPORATES
ROY MORGAN RESEARCH LIMITED

State of the Nation 25: Spotlight on Financial Risk

Original article by Roy Morgan Research
Market Research Update – Page: Online : 26-Aug-16

Roy Morgan Research CEO Michele Levine this week presented the latest State of the Nation Report in Melbourne and Sydney, with a special Spotlight on Financial Risk including Mortgage debt and stress, Income risks and the adequacy of retirement funding. Key findings of this in-depth industry spotlight include: Home ownership in Australia is likely to continue its downward trend whilst house price increases outpace the increase in household incomes; Mortgage stress levels are likely to remain elevated even with the likelihood of further interest rate reductions by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) over the coming 12-18 months. Official Australian interest rates are already at a record low of 1.5% and likely to converge with the 0% interest rates found in comparable Western economies including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and the EU; Household debt levels could become a risk for both households and banks should general economic conditions turn down; The reliance on dual incomes for home loans repayments by many Australian families is a risk in itself with the increasing trend towards part-time work throughout much of the economy and with the additional factor of low wages growth and many more. View the full release to see a comprehensive run-down of findings.

CORPORATES
ROY MORGAN RESEARCH LIMITED