The ScotPac SME Growth Index (1) has been a closely watched piece of annual research by the Aura Private Credit investment team, which tracks the adoption of non-bank lenders in the Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) market. The 2024 report has recently been released which marks the 10th anniversary of the annual research. The last decade and particularly last 6 years have displayed a major shift in SMEs adoption of non-bank lenders as their preferred providers of debt capital. Continue…

by Brett Craig Posted in Aura Group.

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In this week’s video insight, I discuss the significant impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on companies, particularly the “Magnificent Seven.” AI is driving up the power needs of data centres, far beyond traditional levels. I explain this with the concept of rack power density and highlight predictions about U.S. data centre electricity use. I also mention Amazon Web Services’ recent energy deals and how these changes might influence Australia’s energy policies, including the debate on nuclear power.  Continue…

by David Buckland Posted in Technology & Telecommunications, Video Insights.

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Australian governments at all levels are not known for thinking beyond the electoral cycle. Take the fact that Australia took on 540,000 immigrants last year, whilst births exceeded deaths by 110,000. Hence an additional 650,000 Australians, or 2.5 per cent of our population, at a time when our country is going through an unprecedented housing crisis.  Continue…

by David Buckland Posted in Economics, Editor's Pick, Property.

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In recent years, very few developments have captured investors’ imagination and curiosity as much as the emergence of generative artificial intelligence (AI). Explore the transformative impact of AI and the investment opportunities it presents across various sectors globally in Polen Capital’s latest whitepaper.  Continue…

by Polen Capital Posted in Technology & Telecommunications, Whitepapers.

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The Magnificent Seven (Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG), Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN), Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL), Meta (NASDAQ:META), Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT), Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA), and Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA), which rose by an average 111 per cent over calendar 2023, continued their strong upward trajectory, increasing a further 37 per cent, on average, over the six months to June 2024. This helped drag up the Nasdaq, which jumped 18.1 per cent and 28.5 per cent for the 6 and 12 months to June 2024, respectively. The S&P 500 also did very well, up 22.7 per cent for the year and up 14.5 per cent for the six months to June 2024.   Continue…

by David Buckland Posted in Economics, Editor's Pick, Foreign Currency.

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In last week’s interview with Jess McGuire on ABC’s NSW Drive, I discussed the current developments affecting our economic outlook. We delved into the recent rise in the inflation rate from 3.6 per cent to 4 per cent, prompting central banks to reconsider the timing of interest rate cuts, now likely delayed until late this year or early next. Additionally, I highlighted how iron ore exports to China are bolstering both our economies, reflecting on the broader implications for Australian trade partnerships. We also examined the downturn in discretionary spending, which is impacting retail and media sectors, with a notable decrease in share prices. 

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by David Buckland Posted in Radio.

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The 13-interest rate increases by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) in the 18 months to November 2023, combined with the bounce in inflationary expectations is starting to bite. Any company associated with discretionary expenditure missing its guidance from the slowing economic environment and cost-of-living pressures is being brutally dealt with by the share market.   Continue…

by David Buckland Posted in Economics.

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In my recent interview with Ausbiz, I discussed the significant impact of rising inflation on renters and mortgage owners, leading to reduced discretionary spending. I provided insights into the macro landscape, noting inflation has risen to 4% and the employee living cost index is at 6.5%. Many retail businesses, such as Cettire (ASX: CTT) and Baby Bunting (ASX: BBN), are experiencing profit declines and multi-year lows in shares. The advertising sector also seems to be struggling as many businesses, including Seven West (ASX: SWM) and Nine Network (ASX:NEC), are also hitting multi-year lows.
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by David Buckland Posted in TV Appearances.

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