The federal government is seeking feedback on proposed changes to rules aimed at preventing non-arm’s-length transactions by superannuation funds, in a bid to address concern that SMSFs and smaller funds that breach the provisions could be disproportionately penalised.
In the first 18 months of the new restructuring framework for small businesses, more than 90 per cent of proposed restructuring plans have been approved by creditors. Despite slow early uptake, ASIC says more small businesses are benefitting from the reforms in 2023.
The Australian mining and energy sector drew a significant increase in investment in 2022, but a hoped-for green mining boom is currently a fantasy, with gas and coal still dominating the project pipeline, new bank research shows. A shift in focus to commodities needed for the energy transition would have to precede another super-cycle, but select opportunities exist.
Litigation involving estate planning and superannuation is ramping up, with major impacts on self-managed super funds, and in particular trustee obligations. Cooper Grace Ward partner Hayley Mitchell discusses key case law SMSF trustees should be sure to know about.
Credit and equity markets both suffered a very bad 2022, as the collapse of negative correlation between stock and bond prices left no safe haven for investors. But 2023 could be a big year for bonds, and experts say investors waiting on the sidelines risk missing out.
After a dip in October, the inflation rate is back to a 30-year high, according to ABS statistics for November that put into doubt hopes the Reserve Bank of Australia will pause rate hikes soon.
A review of the top stories from the past year reflects investors’ continuing anxiety over the direction of markets as central banks continue their battle against inflation and geopolitical turmoil remains a constant. Many of the same issues appear likely to shape the next 12 months as well.
A new International Energy Agency report projects global renewable energy growth in the next five years will match that of the last 20, with renewables also set to overtake coal as the largest electricity source by 2025. Australian investors won’t have to look far to find stocks poised to benefit from this momentum shift.
The corporate regulator reports it has issued 21 stop orders against companies over marketing of financial products since new design and distribution obligations went into effect last October, with the rate of enforcement picking up in recent months.
The RBA is keeping an open mind about a potential central bank digital currency in Australia, including running a pilot eAUD program next year. But many of the arguments in favour of a CBDC fall flat in the Australian context, says Assistant Governor Brad Jones.
