Archived News for Finance Sector Professionals - November, 2012
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have enjoyed an increase in overall confidence, offsetting previous downturns this year, according to the new Sensis Business Index survey.
AFP cracks largest credit card fraud ring
A joint international criminal investigation has culminated in the arrest of seven people in Romania for the largest credit card data theft in the county’s history.
Government pledges increase access to financial advice
The Federal Government has introduced draft regulations of legislation that will seek to expand access to financial advice and better investor production.
Dyson named Chair of tax board
The Federal Government has announced the appointment of Teresa Dyson as the Chair of the Board of Taxation.
Global recovery on a jittery course finds OECD
The global economy is expected to make a ‘hesitant and uneven’ recovery over the coming two years, with decisive action needed by both the US and European economies if recession is to be avoided, according to OECD’s latest Economic Outlook.
Resources investment continues to boom
Australia is sinking record quantities of cash into resources and energy projects, with the latest data showing that a record $268.4 billion has been spent on the sector this year alone, according to the Bureau of Resources and Energy Economics (BREE).
Housing affordability on the increase finds report
Housing affordability has continued to trend upwards in the September quarter, according to the latest HIA-BA Housing Affordability Index.
Future Fund acquires AIX portfolio
The Future Fund has confirmed it has entered into a binding Implementation Agreement with the Australian Infrastructure Fund (AIX) that will see the nation’s sovereign wealth fund acquire all of the AIX’s portfolio assets.
Government passes super reforms
The Federal Government has passed a series of Bills that aim to deliver a wide range of improvements to superannuation law. The reforms include capital gains tax relief and measures that implement the Government's Stronger Super commitments.
World Bank releases dire climate warning
The World Bank has released findings that show the planet is on course for a 4 degree increase in temperature by 2100 unless immediate and decisive action is taken.
Brokers more popular than parents when it comes to advice
First home buyers are more likely to seek advice from a professional mortgage broker than their parents, but prefer the advice of their parents if they have to pay for it according to the latest research conducted by Mortgage Choice.
Customer satisfaction booms
Customer satisfaction with the nation’s largest banks have skyrocketed to their highest ever levels, marking the fourth consecutive month that Roy Morgan Research has tracked a positive upswing in consumer sentiment in the area.
Growth picking up pace finds report
The country’s economic growth is significantly higher than previously anticipated, according to the Westpac-Melbourne Institute Leading Index.
School improvement an economic silver bullet finds report
Improving the performance of the nation’s schools could deliver benefits more than twice the current annual economic output, according to an analysis conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Government announces HFT reform
The Federal Government has announced a suite of market integrity reforms aimed at better protecting investors who use Australia’s financial markets.
Small business trading slips finds ACCI
Small busing trading conditions have continued to deteriorate in September quarter, with key indexes entering deep contractionary territory, according to the latest Small Business Survey published by the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI).
IMF validates financial management says Swan
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released the 2012 Article IV Staff Report and Financial Sector Assessment Program, which Treasure Wayne Swan says is a 'big tick' for the Australian economy.
NAB announces executive reshuffle
The NAB has announced a number of senior leadership appointments across the bank.
Red tape stifles director sentiment
Director sentiment has hit its lowest level in two years, as fears of the health of Asian economies and growing pessimism about the promise of a resolution of the European debt crisis weighs heavily on the nation's top business leaders.
Strong named Chairman of AICD
James Strong has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Australian Institute of Company Directors following the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting held late last week.
Qantas announces debt reduction and share buy-back
Qantas has announced it will repay $650 million in debt ahead of schedule and invest up to $100 million in an on-market share buy-back, which is set to represent approximately 4 per cent of Qantas shares.