Money

Should going to the gym be tax deductible?

Published

2 years ago

April 2, 2024

As Australians grapple with rising living costs, one industry is feeling the pinch more than most: fitness.

Whenever the cost of living rises, gym memberships seem to be among the first expenses to go, according to gym owner Amanda Heffernan.

But now, a lobby group for the fitness industry, AUSactive, is pushing for a change.

They’ve written to the federal government, advocating for tax-deductible gym memberships as part of a broader preventative health plan.

AUSactive’s CEO, Barrie Elvish, stresses the urgency of the situation, calling the current state of the health system “unsustainable.”

He argues that investing in preventative health measures, such as incentivising gym memberships, could save the government billions of dollars by keeping people healthier for longer.

Public campaign

The proposal for tax-deductible gym memberships is part of a three-point plan that also includes expanding fringe benefits tax (FBT) incentives for corporate gym memberships and launching a public messaging campaign to promote healthier lifestyles.

The importance of preventative healthcare cannot be overstated.

Countless studies have shown that physical exercise is crucial for preventing a range of non-communicable diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies insufficient physical exercise as a significant risk factor for mortality, responsible for millions of deaths each year.

Despite the clear benefits of exercise, Australia lags behind other wealthy nations in investing in preventative health.

The Grattan Institute warns that without significant investment in preventative health programs, Australia is heading towards a future plagued by avoidable illness and disability.

Dr. Michael Wright, a health economist, said that even small changes, such as walking more or taking the stairs, can have a significant impact on overall health.

While gym memberships can be costly, there are also free resources available online, and individuals are encouraged to speak with their healthcare provider for personalised advice.

Money

U.S. markets mixed as tech slumps and Fed moves spark uncertainty

Mixed US equity results as tech stocks drop; market uncertainty rises amid Fed Chair change. Join Steve Gopalan’s insights on FX trends.

Published

2 days ago

February 6, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Mixed US equity results as tech stocks drop; market uncertainty rises amid Fed Chair change. Join Steve Gopalan’s insights on FX trends.

US equity markets posted mixed results as technology stocks fell, reflecting growing concerns about AI disruptions. The delay of key labour data has added to market uncertainty, especially with President Trump’s recent appointment of Kevin Warsh as Fed Chair.

Steve Gopalan from SkandaFX joins us to discuss how these shifts could influence monetary policy, corporate FX strategies, and the broader financial landscape.

We also dive into FX trends, euro-area inflation signals, and Australian dollar movements, exploring what these developments mean for investors worldwide.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

#USMarkets #TechStocks #FedPolicy #FXTrading #AIImpact #LabourMarket #CurrencyTrends #InvestingInsights

Money

Tech stocks and Bitcoin tumble amid market uncertainty and rising job concerns

Wall Street plummets as tech stocks and Bitcoin fall, raising concerns about job market and economic stability.

Published

2 days ago

February 6, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Wall Street plummets as tech stocks and Bitcoin fall, raising concerns about job market and economic stability.

Wall Street took a sharp hit Thursday as technology stocks and Bitcoin plunged, reigniting worries over the job market and global economic stability. Kyle Rodda from Capital.com breaks down how Alphabet and Qualcomm’s earnings may signal broader tech weakness.

Bitcoin’s recent drop also rattled crypto markets, with Coinbase shares falling sharply. Rodda explains how much of the decline is driven by market fundamentals versus shifting investor sentiment, and how rising AI expenditures are affecting investor confidence in tech.

The surge in unemployment claims, coupled with falling bond yields, is prompting concern over overall market stability.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

#WallStreetCrash #TechStocks #BitcoinDrop #MarketVolatility #JobMarket #InvestingTips #CryptoNews #Ticker

Money

S&P 500 dips as tech stocks struggle with AMD leading losses

S&P 500 declines as tech stocks sell off; AMD plummets, Microsoft stable, investors eye Alphabet’s upcoming earnings report.

Published

3 days ago

February 5, 2026

Harvey Vargas

S&P 500 declines as tech stocks sell off; AMD plummets, Microsoft stable, investors eye Alphabet’s upcoming earnings report.

The S&P 500 fell as technology stocks faced intense selling pressure, dragging the broader market lower. AMD shares were particularly hard hit, falling 17% after its first-quarter forecast disappointed analysts.

Software names including Oracle and CrowdStrike also struggled, although Microsoft found some stability amid the sell-off.

Investors are now focused on Alphabet, which is set to report earnings after the bell Wednesday.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker