What about the Baby-Boomer Effect?

Yesterday, the Federal government released Australia’s third Inter-generational Report.

And about five years ago, I came out with a somewhat startling statement:

“If you haven’t sold your traditional family home by 2010-11 … you had better be prepared to hold it until 2025 — because there simply won’t be a market for it!”

Chatswood ... Sydney

Chatswood … Sydney

And given the recent surge in home sales (particularly in Sydney and Melbourne) over the past 6 months … you would be excused for thinking my prediction might be way off the mark. [Read more…]

Keep Your Eye on Inflation!

Balancing Act

Balancing Act


Australia is supposed to be in the midst of a recession; and yet, underlying inflation is still running at 4% per annum.

If that’s the best we can do … what levels will inflation finally reach, once the economy moves into its recovery phase?

Strong sales have seen retailers cutting prices less than expected. And generally, other prices have held firm — because wages have not yet been affected by increases in unemployment.

On top of this, there are also serious supply constraints on the housing front, which are pushing up rentals.

h3. How will this affect things? [Read more…]