House prices set to cool in 2016: Domain

It was a year of dramatic spikes in the property world, particularly the capital cities of Sydney and Melbourne, but as 2015 draws to a close, a new report promises a much more mellow 2016. Domain.com.au’s State of the Market report, released today, says that while property prices will continue to climb next year, it will be at a much slower rate of between two and five per cent, across the capital cities. Domain.com.au Senior Economist, Dr Andrew Wilson predicts that the markets of Sydney and Melbourne will start to fall in line with the other capital cities.

What a US Fed rate rise means for Australia

An improving job market in the United States and a strengthening national economy is likely to see the US Federal Reserve (Fed) lift rates for the first time in a decade this week. The Fed itself has been abundantly clear it is keen to begin the “normalisation” of US monetary policy, but mixed US economic data in recent weeks has thrown a question mark into the mix. Dr Shane Oliver, Head of Investment Strategy and Chief Economist at AMP Capital still believes a rate hike on 16 December is 70 per cent likely.

Member-based industry super funds clear winner for consumers

The latest data from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority has confirmed that not-for-profit industry super funds continue to deliver the highest returns to members. The data spans the past 11 years and confirms that, on average, industry super funds beat out retail funds on net returns by 6.77% to 4.83%.

Cash rate on hold in October but low rates prevail

The RBA has left the cash rate on hold at two per cent this month, but some home loan rates are continuing to drop as the spring mortgage market heats up.

Crunch before you commit, why rewards could lose you money

Competition in the home loan market continues to run hot, but are introductory offers such as cash back or rewards points actually worth it?

3 ways the end of summer is helping your savings

The end of summer is disappointing, but there is a silver lining — you could very well end up spending less and saving more, for a number of reasons.

Financial decisions you'll regret later

For most people in their 20s and 30s, life is about enjoyment, flexibility and abundant experiences - and that's a good thing. But the financial decisions we make early on can have a lasting impact on the rest of our lives.

Mutual benefits: what's a non-bank?

Unlike the publicly listed big banks, which have a responsibility to maximise profits for shareholders, credit unions, mutual building societies and mutual banks focus on their members – or customers.

Five tips to shrink your home loan

Your home loan doesn’t have to rule your life forever. Follow these five smart tips to shrink your debt and own your home faster.

Your job title can affect your insurance premiums

We spend the majority of our time at work, so it makes sense that our occupation - and in some instances, even our job title - can affect the insurance premiums we pay for some forms of insurance.