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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The holiday season often brings joy, connection, and, for many, financial strain. Between gift-giving, travel expenses, festive meals, and social outings, managing cash flow can feel overwhelming. However, with a few sensible strategies, you can enjoy the holidays without jeopardising your financial health. Here’s how to keep your cash flow under control while still embracing the spirit of the season.

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There are few better ways to beat the summer heat than floating in your very own pool. With a range of price points to choose from, a pool can be affordable, but will it add value to your property? And how will you pay for your backyard oasis?

Fun fact: more than 3 million Aussies have a backyard swimming pool or spa. That’s about one-in-eight Australians, or as many as one-in-four in areas like the Gold Coast. This popularity isn’t surprising. Pools offer plenty of fun, with perks that go beyond staying cool in summer. A pool can help you stay fit, encourage your kids to develop water confidence, and when it comes to home entertaining, a swimming pool can do lots of heavy lifting.

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With only one Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) rate decision left in 2024, a rate cut before summer’s end seems possible but unlikely in December. Despite inflation falling to 2.8%, within the RBA’s target, the central bank is cautious about temporary cost-of-living relief affecting inflation data. Most major banks, including Commonwealth Bank and Westpac, expect rate cuts to start as early as February 2025. However, homeowners might see savings sooner by refinancing, as lenders have already begun lowering variable rates due to anticipated cuts. Refinancing could offer immediate budget relief ahead of Christmas, despite the wait for official cuts.

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Recently, both Australian banking stocks and the "Magnificent 7" tech giants have attracted significant attention due to their soaring valuations. Investors often use various methods to assess a company's worth, with Price Earnings (P/E) Ratios and Earnings Multipliers being among the most common. These metrics offer different insights into a company’s potential for growth and profitability. While high valuations can indicate investor optimism, they also raise concerns about sustainability and the possibility of market corrections. This article explores the valuation trends in both sectors and examines whether these elevated prices are justified or poised for adjustment.

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The RBA kept Australia’s cash rate steady at 4.35%, pointing to inflation declines due to cheaper fuel and electricity but maintaining restrictive policy to reach the 2.5% target. Rising employment makes rate cuts less likely in the near term. On the ASX, tech, consumer discretionary, and financial stocks saw strong gains, while energy and materials lagged due to weaker Chinese demand for iron ore and lower oil prices. In the US, markets rallied following Trump’s re-election but dipped when the Fed cut rates by 0.25% and indicated a cautious stance on further cuts amid a strong economic outlook.

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