There’s a lot to look forward to in 2014, with Aussies and Kiwis ready to travel both overseas and at home this year. While the low Aussie dollar may keep some people at home and the relative strength of the Kiwi will boost the Aussie tourism industry, the draw of an overseas holiday is as strong as ever. From quiet […]
With 2013 nothing more than a memory, it’s time to look back at the last 12 months according to Google. Each year the Internet search giant publish an overview of the previous 12 months, based on search pattern trends from around the world. Whether its celebrities, technology, or something else entirely, Google know exactly what the world was looking for […]
Low interest rates and growing confidence continue to strengthen the property market, with mortgage approvals rising for the ninth time in ten months. However, fi rst home buyers were under-represented in the latest figures, with the vast majority of new money coming from investors. While this imbalance is causing concern in some quarters, there is evidence that current investment will […]
The big four Australian banks have long held a dominant position in the mortgage market, but even among them, things are far from equal. According to a recent assessment by investment bank Nomura, based on figures released by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority, NAB and ANZ continue to dominate the home lending market, with Commonwealth steady and Westpac falling behind. […]
Strong Christmas sales are expected on both sides of the Tasman, with consumer confidence growing in Australia and steady in New Zealand. According to the latest figures from Roy Morgan Research, an increasing majority of households believe now is a good time to purchase white goods, entertainment products, electronics, and other major household items. The Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence Rating […]
After being told for almost half a century that fat is bad for us, a number of health experts are doing an abrupt about-face. Surprisingly, the consumption of heal thy fats can actually help to lower the risk of heart disease, along with boosting the immune system, regulating weight, and decreasing the chance of diabetes. However, it is important to […]