One of the many benefits of ETFs for investors is their tradability. Unlike traditional funds, ETFs can be bought and sold at any time through the Australian Securities Exchange just like an ordinary share. But since ETFs trade like shares, investors may mistakenly attempt to evaluate their liquidity in the same way they might for shares. This gives rise to one of the most common misunderstandings about ETFs, namely, that an ETF’s ‘on-screen’ volume equates to ETF liquidity. For most ETFs, nothing could be further from the truth!
The Reserve Bank of Australia has recently indicated that this Wednesday’s September quarter consumer price index report will be a critical factor when its Board sits to decide on interest rates next Tuesday (Melbourne Cup day). What’s more, there is a reasonable chance that inflation will (again) surprise on the downside. Despite this risk, the market is placing only relatively small odds on a rate cut next week.
The Australian dollar has proven stubbornly resilient in recent months, thanks to firm iron ore prices and reluctance on the part of the United States Federal Reserve to raise US interest rates. This note updates our valuation model of the Australian dollar, particularly in light of recent comments by the Reserve Bank suggesting the terms of trade may have already bottomed. Based on the analysis, my year-end call for the A$ is 0.72c, declining to 0.68c by mid-2017.
Keep up to date with the latest rates and contribution limits.
1. Concessional contribution limits
Annual contribution limits for 2016/17 financial year:
| Concessional contributions (before-tax) | |
| Age 49 and over on 30 June 2016 | $35,000 |
| All others | $30,000 |
2. Non-concessional contribution (after-tax) limits
The Government announced in the Federal Budget that from 7.30pm (AEST) on 3 May 2016, non-concessional (after-tax) contribution caps have been replaced with a $500,000 lifetime cap. This cap takes into account all after-tax contributions made since 1 July 2007. It applies to individuals aged up to 75 years.




