In this fortnight's market update, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) maintained the target cash rate at 4.35% amid persistent inflation, with economists predicting a possible rate rise. The annual inflation rate increased to 4% in May from 3.6% in April, while underlying inflation rose from 4.1% to 4.4%. The Australian share market gained 0.88%, driven by the utilities and IT sectors, despite volatility and a significant drop in the real estate index. Internationally, the US S&P500 reached a record high, fueled by substantial government spending on manufacturing, contributing to economic growth and inflation. Asian markets struggled, with China's SSE Composite dropping 2.86% and Japan facing severe currency depreciation, prompting potential intervention from monetary authorities.

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Australia's property market is a popular choice for both local and international investors. With its stable economy, strong legal framework, and appealing lifestyle, the market offers many opportunities. This overview will cover key considerations and current trends in property investment in Australia.

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Fresh air, affordable homes, and less traffic are driving city dwellers to regional Australia. The trend is growing, with metro to regional relocations up 20% from pre-Covid levels, according to Commonwealth Bank research. The lifestyle benefits include a laidback atmosphere and the charm of seeing native wildlife instead of traffic lights. The classic tune "Home Among the Gum Trees" epitomizes this appeal, as regional towns and cities offer an attractive alternative to urban living.

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Centrelink provides crucial financial support to millions of Australians. Navigating the complex system of payments and services can be daunting, but understanding how to maximise your entitlements can significantly ease financial stress. This guide aims to help you understand Centrelink better and ensure you're receiving the support you deserve.

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In this fortnight's market update, interest rate predictions remain a focal point amid mixed economic data. April CPI figures showed a rise in inflation to 3.6%, dampening hopes of a late-year cash rate cut. The ASX fell 2.38%, with only IT stocks, buoyed by NVIDIA's impressive earnings, showing gains. Consumer Discretionary and Communications sectors led the decline. Internationally, Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index dropped 6.77% after a strong month, influenced by rising U.S. treasury yields and China's property market concerns. As global markets react to economic signals, investor sentiment remains cautious.

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In today's fast-paced world, managing finances efficiently is crucial for both businesses and individuals. Xero, a cloud-based accounting software, has revolutionised the way we handle financial operations. Here are 10 key benefits of using Xero software.

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Who doesn’t love a tax cut? Most of us are now only weeks away from saving on our tax bills, with Stage 3 tax cuts to kick in from 1 July. But another key advantage is that the tax cuts could give your borrowing power a nice boost.

The upcoming Stage 3 tax cuts have received plenty of attention – some good, some bad – so we won’t focus on the politics of it today. But they are still expected to benefit about 13.6 million Australians, and how much tax you might save depends on your income. A person on the national average wage of around $73,000 will pocket a yearly tax saving of $1,504, says the federal government. If your income is, say, $100,000, you could expect to save $2,179 in tax each year. For households juggling a cost-of-living crunch, the tax cuts can’t come soon enough.

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As the end of the financial year approaches, it's crucial to maximise your tax deductions in order to ensure you keep more of your hard-earned money. By understanding and utilising the available deductions, you can significantly reduce your taxable income. Here's a comprehensive guide to some key deductions you should consider before 30 June 2024.

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In this fortnight's market update, interest rate predictions remain a focal point amid mixed economic data. April CPI figures showed a rise in inflation to 3.6%, dampening hopes of a late-year cash rate cut. The ASX fell 2.38%, with only IT stocks, buoyed by NVIDIA's impressive earnings, showing gains. Consumer Discretionary and Communications sectors led the decline. Internationally, Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index dropped 6.77% after a strong month, influenced by rising U.S. treasury yields and China's property market concerns. As global markets react to economic signals, investor sentiment remains cautious.

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