Money

Experts unveil key investment strategies for 2025

Dr. Steve Enticott advises young professionals to diversify investments and start early for smarter investing in unpredictable markets.

Published

7 months ago

March 4, 2025

Steven Enticott

Dr. Steve Enticott advises young professionals to diversify investments and start early for smarter investing in unpredictable markets.

In Short

Dr. Steve Enticott advises young professionals to diversify their investments and start early to navigate unpredictable financial markets in 2025. He recommends investing in strong assets that have dropped in price and using dollar-cost averaging for better financial management.

Investing for Beginners in 2025: Where to Start With Your First $100

In 2025, investing is more accessible than ever, but choosing the right path can be overwhelming. Whether you’re a young professional or just starting out, knowing where to put your money is crucial. Here’s a breakdown of the some of the investment options this year and how you can begin with as little as $100.

Stocks vs. ETFs vs. Property: What’s the Best Investment?

Stocks offer high growth potential but can be volatile. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs), on the other hand, provide diversification and lower risk, making them an excellent choice for beginners. While property remains a solid investment, the high upfront cost makes it difficult for those just starting out. Instead, consider real estate investment trusts (REITs), which allow you to invest in property with a much smaller budget.

How Much Should You Invest Monthly?

Financial experts recommend investing at least 10-20% of your income. If that seems daunting, start with what you can afford and increase your contributions over time. The key is consistency—small, regular investments compound over the years.

The Biggest Investment Trends in 2025

This year, sustainable investing, artificial intelligence stocks, and fractional real estate ownership are trending. Cryptocurrencies remain popular, but experts advise caution due to volatility.

How to Invest With Just $100

With micro-investing apps, commission-free platforms, and fractional shares, even $100 can get you started. Consider ETFs, index funds, or even high-yield savings accounts for steady, low-risk growth.

No matter your budget, the best time to start investing is always now!

Dr Steven Enticott is a finance professional, speaker, regular columnist, and author of The Man With A Plan.

For more information www.ciatax.com.au

Money

Fed cuts rates, signals more potentially ahead

Fed lowers rates amid job market concerns, signalling potential further cuts in upcoming meetings

Published

5 days ago

September 18, 2025

Ahron Young

Fed lowers rates amid job market concerns, signalling potential further cuts in upcoming meetings

In Short:
– The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a quarter-point to address job market concerns.
– Officials expect at least two additional rate cuts by year-end amid ongoing economic uncertainties.

The Federal Reserve has reduced interest rates by a quarter-point, addressing concerns about a weakening job market overshadowing inflation worries.

A majority of officials anticipate at least two additional cuts by year-end during the remaining meetings in October and December.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell noted a significant shift in the labour market, highlighting “downside risk” in his statements.

The recent rate cut, supported by 11 of 12 Fed voters, aims to recalibrate an economy facing uncertainties from policy changes and market pressures.

Policy Dynamics

The decision comes amid intense political scrutiny, with President Trump openly criticising Powell’s reluctance to lower rates.

Despite the controversy, Powell asserts that political pressures do not influence Fed operations.

The current benchmark federal-funds rate now sits between 4% and 4.25%, the lowest since 2021, providing some reprieve to consumers and small businesses. Economic forecasts indicate ongoing complexities, including inflation trends and the impact of tariffs on labour dynamics, complicating future policy decisions.

Money

Fed faces unusual dissent amid leadership uncertainty

Fed’s Powell navigates contentious meeting amid Trump-appointed dissenters as rate cut looms and succession contest heats up

Published

6 days ago

September 17, 2025

Ahron Young

Fed’s Powell navigates contentious meeting amid Trump-appointed dissenters as rate cut looms and succession contest heats up

In Short:
– This week’s Federal Reserve meeting faces unusual dissent as Chair Powell approaches his term’s end.
– Analysts predict dissent over expected rate cuts due to political pressures from Trump-appointed officials.

This week’s Federal Reserve meeting is set to be particularly unusual, with Chair Jerome Powell facing significant disagreements over future policy as he approaches the end of his term in May.Tensions began before the meeting when Fed governor Lisa Cook won a court ruling allowing her to attend, despite opposition from President Trump, who is attempting to remove her.

The situation is further complicated by the recent swearing-in of Trump adviser Stephen Miran to the Fed’s board, following a Senate confirmation.

Analysts believe Powell may encounter dissent on an expected quarter-percentage-point rate cut from both Trump-appointed officials and regional Fed presidents concerned about inflation.

Potential Dissent

Trump has urged significant rate cuts and for the board to challenge Powell’s decisions.

Some analysts predict dissenting votes from Miran and other Trump appointees in favour of larger cuts. Federal Reserve veterans express concerns that political motivations may undermine the institution’s integrity, with indications that greater dissent could become commonplace.

Money

RBA plans to ban credit card surcharges in Australia

Reserve Bank of Australia plans to ban credit card surcharges despite banks warning of potential higher fees and weaker rewards

Published

1 week ago

September 16, 2025

ticker NEWS

Reserve Bank of Australia plans to ban credit card surcharges despite banks warning of potential higher fees and weaker rewards.

In Short:
– The RBA plans to ban surcharges on debit and credit card transactions, supported by consumer group Choice.
– Major banks oppose the ban, warning it could lead to higher card fees and reduced rewards for credit card users.

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) intends to implement a ban on surcharges associated with debit and credit card transactions. Consumer advocacy group Choice endorses this initiative, arguing that it is unjust for users of low-cost debit cards to incur similar fees as credit card holders.

The major banks, however, are opposing this reform. They caution that the removal of surcharges could prompt customers to abandon credit cards due to diminished rewards.

A final decision by the RBA is anticipated by December 2025.