Digital Finance Analytics (DFA) Blog
"Intelligent Insight"
From Australian Broker. The Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) has branded a report in the Australian Financial Review (AFR) – which questions the ethics of mortgage brokers and likened some to a Ponzi scheme – as a “serious allegation”. The AFR report, titled ‘Uncovering the big Aussie short’ claims mortgage brokers in the … Continue reading “AFR report on brokers a ‘serious allegation’: MFAA”
Continuing our series on the results from our latest household surveys, today we look at first time buyers. Data from our surveys, combined with recently released ABS data, highlights that first time buyers are more active now compared with last year. Whilst many first time buyers are seeking to buy a place to call home, … Continue reading “Latest Survey Shows First Time Buyer Aspirations Remain High”
In a Speech “The Evolving Risk Environment”, Malcolm Edey RBA Assistant Governor (Financial System) discussed some of the risks to financial stability, both globally and locally. Much of the story has been told before, the economic uncertainties surrounding oil, China, Europe, high debt levels and locally the risks (and how they have been controlled) in … Continue reading “The International Exposures of Australian Banks”
From The Conversation. The year is off to a turbulent start; both in the UK, and around the world. January saw oil prices plummeting, while Chinese growth slowed, spooking investors (but surprising none). But amid the turmoil and confusion of global stock markets, there are a few economic trends which look set to hold sway … Continue reading “Four key economic trends shaping society”
From The Conversation. As is well known, the shortage of affordable separate housing in Sydney and Melbourne means that most first home buyers and renters cannot currently find housing suited to their needs in locations of their choice. The dominant response from the housing industry and commentators is that governments must unlock the potential for … Continue reading “The root of Sydney and Melbourne’s housing crisis”
High-frequency trading and dark liquidity have been two of the most topical market structure issues globally over recent years. During 2015, ASIC have undertaken two new reviews of high-frequency trading and dark liquidity. The aim of these reviews has been to update and build on their earlier analysis of equity markets and to assess the … Continue reading “ASIC Says High-Frequency Trading and Dark Liquidity Is OK”
APRA head Wayne Byres made an interesting comment in his opening statement to the Senate Standing Committee on Economics Canberra today. “Based on the latest available data, the rate of growth in credit for housing is, in aggregate, still accelerating. However, within this there is a compositional switch underway, as a moderation in the growth … Continue reading “Housing Credit Growth Accelerating – APRA”
From The Conversation. Last week, Westpac hoisted its lending rate by 20 basis points in a bid to recover the costs of recent capital raisings. There is speculation other banks will follow. Australia’s non-bank lenders could be winners from such a scenario – but the choice may not be as simple as the lowest interest … Continue reading “Rising mortgage rates – is it time to refinance your home loan?”
In a speech by Greg Medcraft, Chairman, Australian Securities and Investments Commission he discusses digital disruption in capital markets. He rightly identifies blockchain technology as one of the most significant disruptive elements of all. Regulators globally are facing new challenges brought by structural change and digital disruption. There are both opportunities and challenges posed – … Continue reading “The Future of Capital Markets in a Digital Economy – Blockchain Disruption”
From The Conversation. Australian companies will soon be publishing financial results, as well as information about sustainability efforts. Corporate social responsibility of the big four banks – Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), National Australia Bank (NAB) and Westpac is a continuing topic of debate following recent scandals and … Continue reading “Australia’s banking four pillars wobbly on sustainability record”