Stay up to date with what's happened in the Australian economy and markets over the past month.

We are all about keeping you informed and empowered and this month's economic and market video provides a quick overview of the shifting Australian economic landscape and what’s driving market movements.

The big news was the RBA lifting the official cash rate to 4.60%, introducing new headwinds for local markets and households.

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One year after the introduction of the new Aged Care Act, older Australians and their families are adjusting to a changed aged care landscape that includes new funding arrangements, higher costs for new entrants and ongoing service demand.

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More Australians are choosing to take direct control of their retirement savings by establishing a self-managed super fund (SMSF) and according to the SMSF Association, Aussies now see their super as an important part of building and managing their overall wealth. 

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It’s impossible to miss the buzz around Artificial Intelligence (AI). It’s changing the way we work and live - but if you haven’t yet started dabbling in it, it might seem a little intimidating.  

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After years of being overlooked, bonds are once again demanding investors' attention with higher yields providng more income than for much of the last decade.

Although forecasts differ on the precise direction of interest rates, there appears to be broad agreement that investors should prepare for a more complex bond market.

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From 20 September 2026 Centrelink are increasing the lower deeming rate to 1.27%, and the upper deeming rate will increase to 3.75%. This is a result of interest rates in Australia increasing due to inflation.

Deeming is a set of rules used to determine the income your financial assets create. It assumes these assets earn a set rate of income, no matter what they really earn.

If you are income tested for the Age Pension this change will affect your payments and your fortnightly payment will reduce. You will be notified by Centrelink about the reduction if applicable. 

If you are on the Low-Income Health Card this increase COULD cancel your card. You will be notified by Centrelink if your card has been cancelled.

If you are on the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card this increase COULD cancel your card. You will be notified by Centrelink if your card has been cancelled.

If yuou have any questinos, please do not hesitate to contact us, 5744 1221.

For many people approaching retirement, the transition from full-time work to retirement is no longer a sudden stop. Instead, it’s often a gradual process that involves reducing work hours, maintaining cash flow and continuing to build retirement savings.

One strategy that can support this approach is a Transition to Retirement Income Stream (TRIS or TTR).

Click here to find out more.