In this article I write about the difficulties that people face trying to purchase their first home in capital cities around Australia due to high house prices.

Doing the financial planning for people in Sydney, over the years I've noticed that most people can afford the mortgage repayments however they can't scrape the deposit together due to cost of living pressures.

Some have relied on parents to provide financial guarantees in lieu of cash deposits to allow them to crack the property market. In this article, I explore this area and discuss the pro's and con's and look at what the banks are currently offering to assist first home buyers.

James Gerrard article in The Australian - Property guarantees

Written for The Australian Newspaper - Property guarantees: parents can get kids into that first home

Understanding how marginal tax rate works

Capital Gains Tax (CGT) Changes in Property: What Investors Should Know

Capital Gains Tax (CGT) remains one of the most important tax considerations for property investors in Australia. Over the past few decades, several reforms have reshaped how property profits are taxed, and ongoing policy discussions suggest further changes could occur in the future. For investors, understanding how CGT works—and how potential changes may impact property markets—is essential for long-term 

Capital Gains Tax is the tax applied to profits made when selling an asset such as property, shares, or other 

In Australia, CGT is not a separate tax. Instead, the capital gain is added to your taxable income and taxed at your marginal income tax rate.

For property investors, the capital gain is generally calculated as:

Sale price – Purchase price – Eligible costs = Capital gain

One of the most significant features of Australia’s CGT system is the 

If an asset is held for more than 12 months:

Purchase price: $600,000
Sale price: $900,000
Capital gain: $300,000

That $150,000 is added to the investor’s taxable income.

This discount has historically been a major incentive for long-term property investment.

, meaning only assets purchased after that date are subject to CGT.

Properties acquired before this date remain 

2. Replacement of Indexation With the 50% Discount (1999)

Originally, capital gains were adjusted using 

In 1999, the Howard government replaced this system with the 

, simplifying the tax structure and encouraging long-term investment.

This change significantly increased the attractiveness of property and shares as investment assets.

In recent years, Australia has tightened rules for foreign property investors.

no longer eligible for the main residence CGT exemption

withholding tax obligations when selling property

These changes were designed to reduce speculative overseas investment in Australian housing markets.

One of the largest tax advantages available to Australian homeowners is the 

This exemption can apply even after temporarily renting the property under the 

This rule allows owners to rent their home for up to six years while still maintaining CGT exemption if they do not nominate another main residence.

CGT concessions have become a major focus of policy discussions around housing affordability.

Several proposals have been suggested by economists and policymakers, including:

Some proposals suggest reducing the discount from 

Restricting CGT Concessions for Investors

Limiting CGT discounts for multiple properties

Tightening rules around property flipping

Changing interaction with negative gearing

While none of these reforms have yet been implemented, they remain part of ongoing political debate.

CGT policy can significantly influence property markets.

The 12-month holding requirement for the discount encourages investors to 

Investors play a major role in the rental market. Tax incentives such as CGT discounts can influence whether investors purchase or sell rental properties.

Tax concessions often increase demand for property investments, which can contribute to rising housing prices in strong markets.

Property investors should consider several CGT strategies:

Selling before the 12-month threshold can double the taxable capital gain.

Selling in a lower income year may reduce the effective tax rate on the gain.

, but may offer advantages for income smoothing and asset protection.

Capital Gains Tax remains one of the most powerful forces shaping property investment decisions in Australia. While the current system offers significant incentives for long-term investors—particularly through the 50% discount and main residence exemption—ongoing policy debate suggests future changes remain possible.

For investors, understanding CGT rules and planning accordingly is essential to maximizing after-tax returns and managing long-term wealth.

As property continues to be a cornerstone of Australian investment portfolios, CGT policy will remain central to the nation’s housing and financial landscape.

Oil remains one of the most influential commodities in the global economy. When prices swing sharply—whether due to war, supply shocks, or geopolitical tensions—the effects ripple across inflation, interest rates, corporate profits, and ultimately the stock market. Understanding this relationship is crucial for investors navigating uncertain markets.

Recent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have once again pushed oil prices sharply higher, reminding investors that energy markets can rapidly reshape global financial conditions. Brent crude recently surged above US$90 per barrel and analysts warn prices could climb much higher if supply disruptions persist.

This kind of volatility can have profound implications for financial markets.

Why Oil Prices Matter to Financial Markets

Oil is a foundational input for modern economies. It powers transportation, manufacturing, agriculture, and electricity generation. Because of this central role, changes in oil prices affect both consumers and businesses.

When oil prices rise sharply, several economic effects typically follow:

Higher inflation as fuel and energy costs increase

Reduced consumer spending as households pay more for fuel and utilities

Potential interest rate increases from central banks responding to inflation

Economists often describe oil price spikes as a “tax” on the global economy because they reduce disposable income and corporate profitability.

Historically, rising oil prices have been associated with lower economic growth and increased financial market volatility.

Historical Oil Shocks and Market Reactions

Several major oil shocks illustrate how energy turbulence can destabilize financial markets.

The Arab oil embargo caused oil prices to double and then quadruple, triggering inflation and contributing to a global recession.

Another supply disruption pushed oil prices dramatically higher, fueling a period of “stagflation” in many developed economies.

Oil prices surged to over US$140 per barrel before collapsing during the global financial crisis, demonstrating how commodity cycles can amplify economic instability.

Academic research has consistently found that oil price shocks can significantly influence stock market returns and volatility across major economies.

The Transmission Mechanism to the Stock Market

Oil price shocks influence equities through several key channels.

Higher energy prices increase costs for transport, manufacturing, logistics, and airlines. This can reduce profit margins and push share prices lower.

Energy-intensive industries—such as airlines, chemicals, and heavy manufacturing—are particularly vulnerable.

Oil shocks frequently drive inflation higher. Even a sustained 10% rise in energy prices can lift global inflation and reduce economic growth forecasts.

Higher inflation may force central banks to keep interest rates elevated, which tends to pressure equity valuations.

Financial markets react quickly to geopolitical risk. Rising oil prices often coincide with broader uncertainty about global growth, increasing market volatility and triggering sell-offs in risk assets.

While many sectors suffer during oil shocks, energy producers can benefit significantly. Geopolitical tensions have historically pushed energy company shares higher during periods of rising oil prices.

Oil price spikes rarely affect all stocks equally.

Manufacturing businesses with high energy costs

For investors, these shifts often trigger sector rotation within stock markets rather than uniform declines.

One of the most unpredictable drivers of oil prices is geopolitics. Around 20% of global oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, making the region critically important to energy markets.

Conflicts or disruptions in such chokepoints can rapidly push prices higher and destabilize financial markets. Recent tensions have already driven oil upward and raised fears of renewed inflation globally.

Because oil markets react almost instantly to geopolitical developments, they often serve as an early indicator of broader financial stress.

For financial advisers and investors, several indicators can help gauge whether oil volatility may spill into equities:

Oil price thresholds (for example US$100+ per barrel)

Inflation expectations and central bank responses

Supply disruptions in key producing regions

Transportation and manufacturing sector margins

Oil shocks do not always lead to market downturns, but sustained price spikes have historically preceded periods of slower growth and heightened market volatility.

Oil remains one of the most powerful macroeconomic forces shaping global financial markets. When energy prices surge due to geopolitical tensions or supply disruptions, the effects ripple through inflation, interest rates, corporate profits, and investor sentiment.

For financial advisers and investors, understanding these dynamics is essential. Oil turbulence does not just affect petrol prices—it can reshape entire investment landscapes.

As recent events show, the intersection between energy markets and financial markets remains as critical today as it was during the oil crises of the past.

Oil Turbulence and Financial Markets: Why Energy Prices Still Drive Global Stock

Base metals have re-entered the spotlight in early 2026, driven by a mix of supply constraints, energy-transition demand and shifting global economic expectations. While prices rallied strongly in late 2025 and early 2026, current market commentary suggests a more measured outlook ahead, optimistic, but not euphoric.

For investors, understanding what is driving base metals, and how they fit into a diversified portfolio is more important than trying to predict short-term price movements.

What’s Driving the Base Metals Narrative Right Now?

Copper, aluminium, nickel and tin continue to benefit from long-term structural trends, particularly:

Electric vehicles and battery technologies

, often described as a bellwether for global growth due to its widespread industrial use.

Recent production data from major global miners has highlighted ongoing supply challenges, particularly in copper. Lower-than-expected output, operational disruptions and underinvestment in new projects are helping to underpin prices, even as demand growth moderates.

For aluminium, changes in production methods, particularly energy-intensive smelting are reshaping supply dynamics and cost structures, especially as producers respond to environmental and energy policies.

Why Analysts Are More Cautious Than Before

Despite supportive fundamentals, many analysts are now tempering expectations after the strong rally seen earlier in the year.

Reduced stimulus expectations in major economies

Speculative positioning unwinding after rapid price gains

Higher interest rates keeping financial conditions tight

The prevailing view is that base metals are 

, rather than entering a sustained multi-year price surge at current levels.

Unlike defensive assets, base metals are closely tied to economic cycles. Prices can move sharply based on:

strategic allocation within a diversified portfolio

, rather than a concentrated or speculative position.

Provide diversification away from traditional equities

Offer indirect exposure to infrastructure and energy-transition themes

Act as a partial hedge against long-term industrial inflation

However, they should be balanced carefully alongside other growth and defensive assets.

Long-Term Themes Still Matter More Than Short-Term Noise

For long-term investors, the core investment case for base metals remains intact. Electrification, decarbonisation and infrastructure investment are multi-decade trends. Short-term price fluctuations may create volatility, but they don’t invalidate the broader demand story.

Adviser Insight: Positioning Matters More Than Forecasting

Rather than trying to predict where copper or aluminium prices will be in six months, investors are generally better served by asking:

How much commodity exposure is appropriate for my goals?

How does this fit with my risk tolerance and time horizon?

Am I exposed through diversified funds, resources equities, or direct commodities?

measured exposure and disciplined portfolio construction

The current base metals outlook reflects cautious optimism. Structural demand remains strong, supply constraints persist, but near-term volatility is likely as markets digest slower growth expectations.

For investors, base metals can still play a valuable role – not as a short-term trade, but as part of a broader, diversified strategy aligned with long-term objectives.

As always, the right approach depends on individual circumstances, goals and risk tolerance.

Base Metals Outlook 2026: What Current Market Signals Mean for Investors

When it comes to financial advice, timing matters just as much as strategy. The advice that serves you well in your 20s can be completely wrong for you in your 40s and potentially harmful as you approach retirement.

Your income, responsibilities, risk tolerance and priorities all evolve over time. The role of good financial advice is to evolve with you.

Below is a practical guide to how financial advice should change at each major life stage, and what type of advice is most valuable at each point.

Early Career: Building the Foundations (20s – Early 30s)

. The goal isn’t complexity — it’s building good habits and avoiding early mistakes.

Starting long-term investing (even with small amounts)

Appropriate risk exposure given long time horizons

This is not the stage for over-engineering. Clear direction, consistency and behavioural coaching matter more than advanced tax strategies.

Family & Growth Years: Managing Competing Priorities (30s-40s)

At this stage, financial advice should integrate:

Cash-flow planning around family expenses

Debt structuring and repayment strategies

Balancing investing with short-term needs

This is often when people feel financially stretched. Good advice here helps prioritise decisions, avoid emotional reactions, and keep long-term goals on track without sacrificing family security.

Peak Earning Years: Optimising Wealth (40s-50s)

Higher income and stronger saving capacity

Reviewing portfolio risk as balances grow

This is where tailored advice becomes especially valuable. Small structural decisions can have a large long-term impact, and generic solutions start to fall short.

Pre-Retirement: Planning the Transition (50s-60s)

Transitioning from accumulation to income

The goal here isn’t just reaching retirement — it’s arriving with confidence, clarity and flexibility.

Retirement: Preserving and Sustaining Wealth (60+)

Navigating super drawdowns and entitlements

defensive, income-focused and estate-aware

Effective retirement advice typically includes:

Coordinating super, investments and pensions

Planning for beneficiaries and future generations

At this stage, advice is less about maximising returns and more about protecting lifestyle and peace of mind.

One of the most common mistakes people make is assuming the financial advice they received years ago will always remain appropriate.

Your life changes — and your advice should too.

 relationships are ongoing, adaptive and aligned to where you are 

, not where you were when the plan was first created.

There is no “perfect” financial strategy — only the right strategy for your current stage of life.

Whether you’re just starting out, raising a family, building serious wealth or enjoying retirement, 

 lies in its relevance. Matching advice style to life stage ensures your financial decisions remain purposeful, realistic and aligned with what matters most to you.

One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Choosing the Right Financial Advice at Every Life Stage

As geopolitical tensions continue to escalate across the Middle East, Eastern Europe and parts of Latin America, investors are once again focusing on two historically sensitive commodities: gold and oil.

While both tend to respond to global uncertainty, they do so for very different reasons. Understanding those differences is essential for advisers helping clients navigate volatile markets.

Gold has long played a central role during periods of geopolitical stress. Unlike most financial assets, its value is not dependent on corporate earnings, government balance sheets or economic growth. Instead, gold tends to perform best when confidence in financial systems or currencies begins to weaken.

Why gold tends to rise during global tensions

Investors often reduce exposure to equities and other risk assets when uncertainty increases. Capital frequently moves toward assets perceived as stores of value, with gold at the forefront.

Periods of heightened geopolitical risk are often accompanied by looser monetary policy, rising government spending or concerns around currency stability. Gold is widely viewed as a hedge against these forces.

Central banks, particularly in emerging markets, have been increasing their gold reserves in recent years as a way to diversify away from reliance on major reserve currencies. This ongoing structural demand continues to support prices.

If geopolitical tensions remain elevated or intensify, gold prices are likely to stay supported. Short term volatility is inevitable, but the broader environment of rising sovereign debt, fragile alliances and macroeconomic uncertainty suggests continued investor demand for defensive assets.

For advisers, gold exposure may play a role in portfolio risk management, inflation protection and diversification away from assets that are highly correlated to equity markets.

Oil prices are also highly sensitive to geopolitical developments, but the dynamics differ materially from gold.

Oil markets incorporate a risk premium, reflecting the possibility that conflict or political instability could disrupt supply or transportation routes in key producing regions.

Many of the world’s largest oil producers and most critical shipping routes are located in politically sensitive regions. Even the threat of disruption can push prices higher before any actual supply loss occurs.

Oil remains strategically vital to global transport, industry and defence. As tensions rise, markets become more responsive to even small changes in perceived risk.

Unlike gold, oil prices are constrained by physical supply and demand.

Strong production from major exporters has kept global supply relatively abundant. At the same time, demand growth has moderated due to slower economic growth in some regions, improved energy efficiency and the gradual transition toward alternative energy sources.

As a result, oil prices often spike on headlines but struggle to sustain gains unless conflicts result in genuine and prolonged supply disruptions.

In an environment of rising geopolitical tension, oil prices are likely to remain volatile rather than trend strongly higher. Risk driven spikes may occur, but sustained price increases generally require clear evidence of reduced supply.

For investors, oil exposure is often better approached selectively through energy equities, infrastructure assets or companies with strong pricing power rather than direct oil price exposure.

Gold may provide defensive characteristics during periods of heightened uncertainty and can help reduce portfolio volatility when risk assets come under pressure.

Oil tends to introduce volatility rather than dampen it. While it can offer tactical opportunities, it is less reliable as a defensive hedge and requires close monitoring of supply and demand fundamentals.

As global tensions increase, gold is more likely to benefit from sustained investor demand driven by its role as a defensive asset. Oil may respond to geopolitical developments in the short term, but longer term performance remains dependent on fundamental supply conditions.

For advisers, the current environment highlights the importance of distinguishing between assets that protect capital during periods of instability and those that primarily react to headlines.

Gold and Oil: Safe Havens in an Increasingly Tense World

Most people believe you need thousands of dollars to start investing. The truth?


$100 a week can completely change your financial future

 — if you put it in the right place and stick with it long enough.

, how the long-term numbers stack up, and which strategies give you the best balance of growth, simplicity and tax efficiency.

1. Why $100 a Week Is More Powerful Than People Think

Even a small amount — invested consistently — builds serious wealth thanks to compounding.

Here’s what $100/week becomes at different return rates:

With a 10% return (common for long-term share/ETF portfolios), $100/week becomes 

2. The Smarter Way to Invest $100/Week in 2026

 ways Australians can grow wealth with just $100 weekly.

Option 1: Broad-Market ETFs (The Most Common Smart Strategy)

Examples (not recommendations, just common examples):


ETFs spread your money across hundreds or thousands of companies automatically. This reduces risk without reducing growth potential.


Buy $100 worth every week or month — known as 

 — reducing the risk of buying at the wrong time.

Anyone wanting simplicity and strong growth

Option 2: Extra Super Contributions (Best for Tax Savings)

Written
for
The
Australian
Newspaper
-
Property
guarantees:
parents
can
get
kids
into
that
first
home

Related Content

Capital Gains Tax (CGT) Changes in Property: What Investors Should Know

Oil Turbulence and Financial Markets: Why Energy Prices Still Drive Global Stock

Base Metals Outlook 2026: What Current Market Signals Mean for Investors

One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Choosing the Right Financial Advice at Every Life Stage

Gold and Oil: Safe Havens in an Increasingly Tense World

Other
items
in
the
media
—

Capital Gains Tax (CGT) Changes in Property: What Investors Should Know

Oil Turbulence and Financial Markets: Why Energy Prices Still Drive Global Stock

Base Metals Outlook 2026: What Current Market Signals Mean for Investors

One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Choosing the Right Financial Advice at Every Life Stage

Gold and Oil: Safe Havens in an Increasingly Tense World

The $100 Strategy: If You Could Only Invest $100 a Week, What’s the Smartest Path?

What Wealthy Australians Do Differently (That Most People Never Think About)

How Lifestyle and Planning Together Can Protect Your Future Self

ETFs vs Managed Funds: What’s the Difference in Australia?

Preparing Financially for Dementia Before It’s Too Late

Written for The Australian Newspaper - Property guarantees: parents can get kids into that first home

Related Content

Capital Gains Tax (CGT) Changes in Property: What Investors Should Know

Oil Turbulence and Financial Markets: Why Energy Prices Still Drive Global Stock

Base Metals Outlook 2026: What Current Market Signals Mean for Investors

One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Choosing the Right Financial Advice at Every Life Stage

Gold and Oil: Safe Havens in an Increasingly Tense World

Other items in the media —

Capital Gains Tax (CGT) Changes in Property: What Investors Should Know

Oil Turbulence and Financial Markets: Why Energy Prices Still Drive Global Stock

Base Metals Outlook 2026: What Current Market Signals Mean for Investors

One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Choosing the Right Financial Advice at Every Life Stage

Gold and Oil: Safe Havens in an Increasingly Tense World

The $100 Strategy: If You Could Only Invest $100 a Week, What’s the Smartest Path?

What Wealthy Australians Do Differently (That Most People Never Think About)

How Lifestyle and Planning Together Can Protect Your Future Self

ETFs vs Managed Funds: What’s the Difference in Australia?

Preparing Financially for Dementia Before It’s Too Late

Written
for
The
Australian
Newspaper
-
Property
guarantees:
parents
can
get
kids
into
that
first
home

Other
items
in
the
media
—