Category: Economics and Banking

Regional Australia Is Another Country!

The latest from our surveys relating to households in Regional areas versus Suburban and City areas with a focus on the use of branches, and access to cash.

We find that regional areas are much heavier users of branches and cash, relative to other areas – and Canberra in particular.

This may well explain why those based in the ACT are so far removed from the real issues faced every day by regional households and businesses.

Time to get the Senate to start their review, as I discussed with Robbie Barwick in my live show recently. https://youtu.be/OijlQNTVwtU

http://www.martinnorth.com/

Go to the Walk The World Universe at https://walktheworld.com.au/

DFA Live Q&A: HD Replay Robbie Barwick: Time For A Public Bank

This is an edited version of a live discussion with Robbie Barwick from the Australian Citizens Party. In this show we will dissect the current financial system and consider how banking can be brought into line to serve the people, not profit from them.

https://citizensparty.org.au/

Go to the Walk The World Universe at https://walktheworld.com.au/

FINAL REMINDER: DFA Live Q&A 8PM Sydney – Time For A Public Bank!

Join me for a live discussion with Robbie Barwick from the Australian Citizens Party. In this show we will dissect the current financial system and consider how banking can be brought into line to serve the people, not profit from them.

https://citizensparty.org.au/

You can ask a question live!

Go to the Walk The World Universe at https://walktheworld.com.au/

Should Governor Lowe’s Term Be Extended?

RBA Governor Lowe’s term is up for review later in the year. The current review of the Australian Central Bank will report around March, so what is the likely outcome.

Bloomberg reports on economists’ views of what might happen. But the elephant in the room is that inflation has been caused by poor monetary policy over the past couple of decades. or in other words, the RBA helped create the inflation problem they are now trying to defuse.

Maybe someone outside the Martin Place bubble would be more effective in helping to take the country forward.

http://www.martinnorth.com/

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Its Time To Regulate BNPL Properly!

The current Treasury review of Buy Now Pay Later lending highlights the contentions around the issue. Those with existing Credit Licenses of course argue that BNPL providers should also play on the same level playing field.

Many under financial stress are reaching for BNPL and some are ending up paying high effective interest rates. APRA changes also shape the game.

The sector does need proper regulation. Will the Government cave or stick?

http://www.martinnorth.com/

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Low Distressed Sale Counts Do Not Prove The Property Market Is Fine!

We look at the question of distressed listings and sales, which appear to be quite low at the moment. Some therefore argue that things in the property market are just fine.

However, apart from the question of how distressed sales are defined and identified, the truth is that some households are being given the option to sell as a normal not distressed sale. This is better for the bank, and potentially might be something which given enough equity in the property is worth considering. But it is really important to get the right independent advice first!

Bottom line is low distressed sale counts are not a signal of a buoyant market.

http://www.martinnorth.com/

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You Asked, We Answered: With Tarric Brooker

Journalist Tarric Brooker and I chew over a range of audience questions in out Friday session today, from property prices and monetary policy to China demographics.

Thanks to all those who sent in questions. Tell us what you think of this format.

https://avidcom.substack.com/p/charts-from-dfa-q-and-a-january-20th

http://www.martinnorth.com/

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DFA Live Q&A HD Replay: Senator Rennick Vs John Adams: The Ultimate Showdown

This is a edited version of a live debate between Senator Gerard Rennick and Economist John Adams as we examine economic and monetary policy, debt, and the role of the RBA and other regulators. How can we improve the economic outcomes for Australia, and Australians? Who is to blame for high inflation and home prices?

Original stream: https://youtu.be/DPZNSTeAFkk with chat.

https://www.aph.gov.au/Senators_and_Members/Parliamentarian?MPID=283596
https://www.adamseconomics.com.au/

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Are The Interest Rate Pips Beginning To Squeak: With Steve Mickenbecker

Steve and I discuss the latest in interest rate movements, refinancing, and the impact on household budgets. We look at how households can save significantly and ensure they have the best deals on mortgages and savings rates.

We know that many are still not on the best available rates and as a result are paying more than they need to, which may benefit bank profits, but which do not help individual household cashflow.

https://www.canstar.com.au/team-members/steve-mickenbecker/

Steve Mickenbecker is in Canstar’s Group Executive Team, bringing more than 30 years of experience in the Australian financial services industry. As a financial commentator for Canstar, Steve enjoys sharing his expertise across topics such as home loans, superannuation, insurance, mortgages, banking, credit cards, investment, budgeting, money management and more.

http://www.martinnorth.com/

Go to the Walk The World Universe at https://walktheworld.com.au/

The Debt Limit Clock Counts Down – Again!

The US Treasury is fast approaching the debt ceiling, which begs the question – what then? Will Government spending be crimped, will the ceiling be raised again, or will more unconventional strategies be deployed?

http://www.martinnorth.com/

Go to the Walk The World Universe at https://walktheworld.com.au/