Sending you our warmest wishes and Season’s Greetings! We thank you for your continued support and look forward to an exciting 2025 working with you!

The Australian Government's announcement of study loan refunds has caused a stir among those who have fully repaid their student loans. The study loan refund initiative allows eligible borrowers to claim a refund on their fully repaid loans.

November 2024 marked a pivotal month for global and Australian markets, driven by political shifts and economic trends. Donald Trump’s election victory fuelled U.S. equity surges, while Australian markets followed, sustained by strong banking and tech performances.

The coming weeks will see millions of Aussies enjoy a well-earned getaway, and for some, a memorable holiday will inspire plans to buy a holiday home. But is it a good idea? And can a weekender still stack up financially? We explain what to consider plus tips to fund a vacation property.

It’s that time of year when we lock up our home, load up the car, and hit the highway to unwind with an all-too-brief sea or tree change. It can add up to a wonderful experience, and some holidaymakers will stretch the vacation buzz a lot further by purchasing a holiday home. But given the current state of property prices, is a weekender a smart move? Here’s what to weigh up.

The end of the year provides an invaluable opportunity to reflect on workplace practices, legislative changes, and strategies for success. With 2024 bringing substantial shifts in industrial relations, businesses need to ensure they are compliant and prepared for the new year. To help, the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has compiled key insights, which we’ve summarised below to provide actionable guidance for your business.

In October 2024, Australian markets saw declines, with the ASX 200 Index falling 1.3%, impacted by resilient inflation, strong employment, and weak retail sales. Financials gained amid steady economic data, while Utilities, Consumer Staples, and Materials led losses. The property market was mixed, with Perth rising and Sydney and Melbourne declining. Globally, developed markets outperformed emerging ones, with U.S. indices falling due to election uncertainty despite moderating inflation. Japan's Nikkei gained from a weaker yen, while Chinese markets declined as stimulus effects faded. The AUD weakened, notably against the USD, amid shifting global economic conditions and interest rate changes.