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14 September 2020 - The Global Vaccine Race

The global search for a COVID-19 vaccine is well underway, with research taking place across the world and at least six advanced clinical trials likely by the end of the year. The first human trials began way back in May and the promising Oxford vaccine has already proved an immune response in trial participants. Research and deals into potential vaccine options continues across the world, as a number of conventional and new approaches reach an exciting new phase.

11 September 2020 - House Price Growth Exceeds Wages

The Australian economy continues to feel the effects of COVID-19, with the virus and virus response likely to affect every aspect of the economy for years to come. While far from immune, the housing market has been fairly strong in the face of very significant challenges. According to recent data, house prices have outperformed wages over the past financial year due to a weak labour market and better than expected property prices. While this is good news for many property owners, it does put home ownership further out of reach for some.

7 September 2020 - Online Retail Sales Surge

Household spending habits have changed dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic due to lockdowns and social distancing. While most businesses in Australia and New Zealand are struggling to pay the bills, online retail sales are booming as people migrate from the high street to the virtual shopfront. Online retail sales were up 62.6% for the year in Australia, with online sales also emerging as a big winner in the New Zealand economy. 

4 September 2020 - Shrinking Economy Creates Mortgage Stress

Australia's shrinking economy continues to create stress, with weakening commercial and employment conditions forcing the nation's first recession in many years. The pandemic is heaping pressure on every part of the economy, as new data from Digital Finance Analytics (DFA) highlights the struggle felt by many mortgage holders. Australian households are under very real mortgage stress, including 1.5 million people in mortgage stress and 102,273 households at risk of defaulting on their home loans.

1 September 2020 - Fixing Bikes & Lives

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to isolation and loneliness for many, as mental health services around the world struggle to cope with increased rates of anxiety and depression. The insular nature of the virus has seen people look inwards and change the way they interact with the world around them. From exercise routines to home cooking and binge TV, people have been looking for new ways to add joy to their lives in a strange new world. Cycling has enjoyed an unexpected surge during the pandemic, with people riding and fixing bikes for fun, exercise, and therapy.

 

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