The big question for 2023 is how much damage has been done to economic growth by the higher interest rates designed to tame inflation?

Markets were in a more buoyant mood in November, hoping the worst of the interest rate hikes may be over.

Financial markets respite from previous months on hopes that central banks may slow the pace of interest rate increases

Ongoing strength in the US economy, including higher than expected inflation, led the Federal Reserve to adopt a more aggressive stance on interest rates.

The rally enjoyed by financial markets in July came to an abrupt halt in August, with the key driver the outlook for US interest rates.

After the turmoil of previous months, markets took a more positive tone in July with both bonds and equities posting solid gains.

A combination of strong growth, abundant liquidity, supply chain blockages, and the Ukraine war triggered the biggest resurgence of inflation since the early 1980’s.

May was a volatile month for global financial markets as investors continued to grapple with the array of risks confronting them.

April was a harsh month for financial markets. High inflation, aggressive rhetoric from the US Federal Reserve Bank, the Ukraine war and COVID lockdowns in China, all combined to sour investor sentiment.

In a turbulent month for global markets, Australia’s geographic distance from Ukraine, combined with our role as a commodity exporter, helped our equity market to outperform and the A$/US$ to rally.

Markets React to Russian Invasion of Ukraine

Despite ongoing COVID waves, equities had another stellar year.

Scamwatch, the dedicated scam monitoring service run by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), is urging people to be extra vigilant about text scams.

Markets continue to grapple with the good news of recovering economies, the bad news of rising inflation risks and the ever-present threat of COVID-19.

Scamwatch, the dedicated scam monitoring service run by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), is urging people to be extra vigilant about text scams.

The potential impact of COVID-19 on economic activity continues to be a concern for markets, but inflation has also become an issue.

Being stuck at home in endless COVID-19 lockdowns has given many people time to think about their financial future. If you are engaging with your Super for the first time in a while, here are 3 things to consider to ensure you make the most if it.

COVID-19 continued to spread around the world, leading to further slowing of economic activity, disruptions to global supply chains, and pockets of inflationary pressures.

August is reporting season and, in addition to finding out how companies are performing in these challenging times, investors may also find themselves on the receiving end of an unexpected special dividend or an off-market share buy-back.

The latest consumer confidence research from ANZ-Roy Morgan shows 25% of Australian families are better off now than this time last year.

Some key readings of economic activity in June were lower than in previous months, leading markets to revisit the “peak growth theme”.

Global investors have been grappling with the trade-off between the benefits of stronger global growth for corporate profits and the potential impact to bond yields and values from higher inflation that might flow from the stronger growth.

While it's not quite business as usual due to COVID-19 restrictions, the FMD team is fully operational and your adviser will be ready to conduct your regular review meeting, or any other meeting as required, in a virtual setting. These instructions will help you prepare for a virtual meeting with your adviser.

As experts in delivering holistic financial advice tailored for each individual and designed to help clients achieve their financial goals, here’s our top five tips for how to tell good advice from bad.

Global investors have been grappling with the trade-off between the benefits of stronger global growth for corporate profits and the potential impact to bond yields and values from higher inflation that might flow from the stronger growth.

Among the lingering effects will be the financial upheaval many people have experienced, some for the first time. Whether brought about by unexpected career change, the fluctuating value of assets, or delayed retirement or estate planning, the resulting fear and uncertainty is real.  

March saw further good news about the pace of global economic recovery, with the OECD revising up its forecasts for global growth.

March saw further good news about the pace of global economic recovery, with the OECD revising up its forecasts for global growth.

February 2021 saw further improvement in the Australian economy, with higher employment and stronger business conditions and consumer confidence. 

January 2021 saw further improvement in the Australian economy, with higher employment and stronger business conditions and consumer confidence. 

From a global pandemic that is still around, US presidential elections and aggressive moves from China, to government support, rallying markets and Covid vaccines; a year that started innocently enough turned into one for the history books.

The global financial markets rallied hard in response to an uncontested US presidential election result, successful Covid-19 vaccines, and support from central banks. This marked the end of a rollercoaster 2020 and indicated the start to a more settled 2021.

There are now more and more online tools and apps available to help you take care of the tedious but important tasks associated with budgeting. Here is our list of the top 5 apps for efficiently managing your budget.

Making good financial decisions during a crisis such as Covid-19 can feel overwhelming. However, with the support and expert guidance of a qualified financial adviser, you can make decisions today that your future self will thank you for.

The resurgence of Covid-19 infections in the northern hemisphere and the uncertain US elections made October 2020 an uncertain month for global equity markets. In Australia, infections declined and interstate restrictions relaxed.

A federal budget in Australia, upcoming elections in the U.S., a slowing global economic recovery, and the ongoing efforts to develop a Covid-19 vaccine. An eventful month draws to a close.

Embracing online banking and other services has been a steep learning curve for banks, service providers and customers, but people have overwhelmingly embraced technology to manage their money during this difficult time. 

Covid-19 has caused significant upheaval to the Australian property market. To understand the impact, FMD Financial CEO Lee Wapling chatted with property expert David McMillan, Director of Performance Property Advisory in this webinar held on 11 September 2020.

Renewed lockdowns in a number of countries saw progress in managing second waves of infections, resulting in a slow return in consumer confidence in some regions.

In this interview with FMD Financial, property expert David McMillan talks about the current impact of the pandemic on Australia's property market and what we can expect as we emerge from the crisis.

A second wave of Covid-19 infections around the world have led to countries reimposing restrictions, which in turn has imacted employment and consumer confidence. While we wait for a vaccine, the focus remains on how economic policy can help.

To support the economic recovery from the ongoing devastation by Covid-19, the Government is extending and further tailoring temporary economic measures to support individuals, businesses and communities that continue to face the biggest challenges.

A global recession, bushfires, an ongoing pandemic - 2019/20 has been the most dramatic year for financial markets since the GFC. What does this mean for us as we step into a new financial year?

Physical distancing and Covid-19 have challenged us all to get creative in how we connect. For many retirees, relying heavily on technology to socialise has been a new experience, one that allows them to continue participating in the things they enjoy.

Having an updated Will and Estate Plan is the only way to protect your wealth, provide for your family in your absence and safeguard your financial legacy. COVID-19 has shown us just how much these factors impact our health, wealth and happiness.

Post Covid-19, global markets have rallied in response to decisive government action and economic stimulus. While it’s tempting to feel relief at this partial recovery, ongoing volatility is expected as we begin the new normal.

Globally, economies are reopening after the COVID-19 lockdown. Markets seem committed to the V-shaped recovery story, with equities showing great optimism and ignoring bad news.

While regular travel may be off the cards for the foreseeable future, virtual travel experiences have gotten better than ever. All you need is a good internet connection and a comfy chair.

April saw the equity markets rally in response to a flattening curve and reports of possible medical treatments. However, we've just started to glimpse the depth of the hole the world has to collectively climb out of.

Latest information on all things financial related to the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia. This page is regularly updated with news on investment markets, government support packages, superannuation and anything else you need to know to stay informed and protect your wealth at this challenging time.

We can all relate to feeling like every day is the same, or not even knowing what day it is, as we stay at home to battle COVID-19. Adviser, David Batchelor shares his thoughts on coping with the rapid change in our lives, and recommends some great movie viewing to deliver a much-needed laugh.

It's been a turbulent ride on global markets since the onset of COVID-19, but FMD portfolios are weathering the storm and are well-placed for the future. Watch this update from the FMD Investment Committee for all the latest details.

Summary March was the most turbulent month for global financial markets since the onset of the GFC. Evidence of COVID-19 spreading into Europe triggered a sharp fall in equities and ...

Daily life has been turned upside down for all of us due to COVID-19 and new ways of living, working and connecting have quickly become the norm. Whatever changes you are adapting to personally, adviser Michael Russell shares his tips on getting your budget under control in the face of new financial realities.

The big question for 2023 is how much damage has been done to economic growth by the higher interest rates designed to tame inflation?

Markets were in a more buoyant mood in November, hoping the worst of the interest rate hikes may be over.

Financial markets respite from previous months on hopes that central banks may slow the pace of interest rate increases

Ongoing strength in the US economy, including higher than expected inflation, led the Federal Reserve to adopt a more aggressive stance on interest rates.

The rally enjoyed by financial markets in July came to an abrupt halt in August, with the key driver the outlook for US interest rates.

After the turmoil of previous months, markets took a more positive tone in July with both bonds and equities posting solid gains.

A combination of strong growth, abundant liquidity, supply chain blockages, and the Ukraine war triggered the biggest resurgence of inflation since the early 1980’s.

May was a volatile month for global financial markets as investors continued to grapple with the array of risks confronting them.