QuietGrowth Blog

Contrary to the hopes of both the Reserve Bank of Australia and the Federal Treasury, economic growth is off to a bad start in 2017 so far. Importantly, however, the recent Federal Budget included new powers for the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority to impose geographic-based lending restrictions. If used, these new restrictions could allow scope for the Reserve Bank to further support the economy through lower interest rates later this year if need be, with less risk of further inflaming the already hot Sydney property market.

Continued industry growth and inflows into Australian Equities ETFs

The Australian ETF industry recorded another strong month of growth, with total industry FuM at the end of May hitting a new high as the industry nears the $30B mark. Total industry FUM at month end was $29.0B, with growth of 2.6% or $730M for the month. In a month where the Australian market tumbled, almost all the growth came from net new money, rather than asset appreciation.