‘Savers the big losers’ from rate rises

Original article by Myriam Robin
The Australian Financial Review – Page: 31 : 6-Jul-17

Data from Canstar shows that just 15 out of 75 Australian lenders have increased their term deposit interest rates since the last official interest rate cut in August 2016. Steve Mickenbecker of Canstar says term deposit rates have fallen to an unprecedented low, and he warns that rates are unlikely to rise while inflation remains low. He adds that savers can adopt a number of strategies to obtain higher term deposit rates, but this requires a lot of effort. Meanwhile, banks are increasing their rates on interest-only and investor mortgage loans.

CORPORATES
CANSTAR PTY LTD, RESERVE BANK OF AUSTRALIA

Aussie kids saving more than ever, but girls lagging behind boys

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

The latest data from Roy Morgan’s Young Australians Survey shows that 76 per cent of Australian children aged 6-13 had money saved in the year to June 2016, compared with 75 per cent in 2008. The average amount saved has risen from $220 to $251 in the last eight years. The average boy’s savings have increased by 15 per cent from $228 to $263, compared with growth of 12 per cent from $211 to $234 for girls. Meanwhile, 84 per cent of kids from the well-off AB socio-economic quintile have savings, with an average balance of $304, and 16 per cent of them have saved more than $1,000. On the other hand, only 67 per cent of kids from the less affluent FG quintile have money saved (at a much lower average amount of $176). It is worth noting, however, that 11 per cent of these children also have a balance of $1,000-plus.

CORPORATES
ROY MORGAN RESEARCH LIMITED

Rate cuts ‘hurt some but overall we gain’

Original article by David Uren
The Australian – Page: 21 : 16-Sep-16

A report released by the Reserve Bank of Australia suggests that official interest rate cuts have a net gain for the nation overall, despite the impact on savers. The report argues that each $A1 reduction in home loan repayments results in an average increase of at least $A0.20 in expenditure on consumer durables. However, spending on durables rises by just $A0.04 on average for each $A1 increase in the interest income of net savers.

CORPORATES
RESERVE BANK OF AUSTRALIA

Cash still good option for savers, say advisers

Original article by Sally Patten
The Australian Financial Review – Page: 6 : 5-Aug-16

Australian savers who may need to access their money at short notice are advised to opt for cash deposits. According to comparison website Canstar, the average interest rate on the major banks’ six-month deposits has declined to 2.11 per cent, from 5.44 per cent in 2010. Those seeking higher returns should consider investing in corporate bonds and hybrid securities. Scott Farmer, of Bravium Financial Planning, says the rates of return in these two asset classes range from four per cent to 6.5 per cent.

CORPORATES
CANSTAR PTY LTD, AFFINITY PRIVATE PTY LTD, BRAVIUM FINANCIALPLANNING, HEWISON PRIVATE WEALTH

RBA tool blunted: ANZ

Original article by Jonathan Shapiro
The Australian Financial Review – Page: 21 : 22-Jun-15

The Reserve Bank of Australia’s policy of reducing interest rates was intended to encourage consumers to spend. However, ANZ Bank economists have concluded that people nearing retirement are in fact saving rather than spending. They also note that older Australians are also saving more as a result of uncertainty concerning superannuation policy.

CORPORATES
RESERVE BANK OF AUSTRALIA, AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND BANKING GROUP LIMITED – ASX ANZ

Young Australians saved over $650 million

Original article by Roy Morgan Research
Market Research Update – Page: Online : 30-Oct-14

Roy Morgan Research’s latest Young Australians Survey has found that 74 per cent of Australians aged 6-13 currently have personal savings, which total $A653m. The survey, which was carried out in the year to June 2014, also shows that the average amount saved by Australians in this age group is $A285, while 21.2 per cent have savings of less than $A50 and 10.2 per cent have savings of $A1,000 or more

CORPORATES
ROY MORGAN RESEARCH LIMITED, HERITAGE BANK LIMITED – ASX HBS, AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND BANKING GROUP LIMITED – ASX ANZ, NATIONAL AUSTRALIA BANK LIMITED – ASX NAB