Back in June 2019, the Reserve Bank (RBA) Board meeting minutes stated that “households are net borrowers in aggregate”, which contributed to their view that on balance “a lower level of interest rates was likely to support growth in employment and incomes and promote stronger overall economic conditions.” I subsequently wrote to the RBA and sought clarification, given that households are not net borrowers in aggregate. Their response advised that the comment was in reference to interest bearing net borrowings, rather than total net borrowings. Perhaps this was the intention of the authors, however the lack of this qualification in the minutes makes the statement incorrect – households are in fact large net savers in aggregate.

Since 1 July 2018, downsizer contributions have afforded eligible older Australians the opportunity to top up their retirement savings where their existing balance leaves them concerned about the sustainability of their lifestyle through retirement. It had been observed that older Australians were potentially being discouraged from downsizing hones that no longer met their needs, the result being that many larger family homes were being occupied by singles or couples.

Markets struggled to build momentum early in the month of December as the emerging and enigmatic Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus continued its spread across the globe. As understanding about the new strain developed (particularly its highly infectious but less potent nature), investors were reassured that economic growth would not be stalled as governments widely exercised restraint with reinstituting lockdowns and restrictions abroad.