Australian shares were broadly flat this week as gains in resources and consumer staples were offset by weakness in tech. A hotter-than-expected inflation reading lifted expectations for another rate hike from the RBA, while the Australian dollar rose above US$0.70, weighing on some sectors despite positive momentum elsewhere.
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If you are just starting to learn about money, you might wonder why people invest at all. Why not just save in the bank? The answer is simple. Prices keep going up, and investing gives your money a chance to grow faster than those rising costs.
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Australian shares dipped 0.5% this week, led lower by the Real Estate and Financials sectors. Stronger-than-expected jobs data for December raised the likelihood of an RBA rate hike, while a firmer Australian dollar reflected expectations for tighter monetary policy ahead.
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The ASX 200 rose 2.1% this week, supported by stronger household spending, rising commodity prices, and gains in financial stocks. Household spending accelerated in November, offering a brighter signal for retail, although consumer confidence remains low. With inflation showing signs of easing slightly, markets continue to expect the RBA to hold interest rates steady in the near term. The overall tone reflects cautious optimism as investors look ahead to the next round of economic data.
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Every January, millions of Australians set resolutions, but few turn them into real goals. The difference matters: resolutions rely on motivation, while goals rely on action. And when it comes to money, small consistent actions always win.
If you’ve been meaning to start investing but haven’t quite got there yet, you’re not alone. Life gets busy, and “investing” can sound like something you’ll do later, when you have more time, more money or more confidence.
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Markets entered 2026 facing an unexpected geopolitical shock, with events in Venezuela sparking global headlines. Despite the scale of the development, the immediate market reaction was measured. Oil and energy stocks saw modest gains, reflecting potential supply-side impacts, while safe haven assets like gold and silver also moved slightly higher. Investors appear to be viewing the situation as contained for now, though the potential for longer-term disruption remains, particularly if there are broader shifts in energy infrastructure or geopolitical stability.
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Why new year’s resolutions often fizzle, and how to make yours stick!
New year, new you? Most of us would love that, but the truth is a bit messier. You’ve probably heard that plenty of people ditch their resolutions within a few weeks, and the research backs it up. Some studies show most resolutions fade before the month is out, while others suggest the average one only survives a few months at best. So if you’ve ever started January feeling unstoppable and ended up back in old habits by March, you’re in good company.
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Australia’s share market had a modest pullback this week after a strong finish to 2025, as investors weighed the possibility of further interest rate tightening. According to market futures and commentary, equities are expected to grind modestly higher in 2026 as rate discussions continue to dominate sentiment.
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5 things to sort before the year begins
There’s something about the start of a new year that makes everything feel possible. But instead of waiting until January to get organised, a little prep now can make a big difference to how you start 2026.
Here’s your quick and practical checklist to kick off the new year feeling calm, confident and in control of your money.
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The Australian share market, specifically the ASX 200, fell 0.9% this week as talk of more RBA rate hikes weighed on investor sentiment. Energy, healthcare and utilities were the biggest drags on the ASX 200, while industrials and financials posted small gains. With inflation still sitting above the RBA’s target range, markets are adjusting expectations and taking a more cautious view heading into the new year.
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