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22 May 2025
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The Economist magazine has updated its Big Mac index, as described here.
The index is a lighthearted guide to currency values. It calculates the cost of a Big Mac in USD terms in dozens of countries around the world. It is based on the purchasing-power parity model which says that in the long run, exchange rates should adjust such that the price of an identical product is the same across boundaries.
Here is their latest chart, showing local currency under (-) or over (+) valuation against the USD. The Norwegian krone is 65% overvalued, while the AUD is valued correctly.
Why is Finland excluded? We have the highest Big Mac prices in the world.
Labor has announced a $2.3 billion Cheaper Home Batteries Program, aimed at slashing the cost of home batteries. The goal is to turbocharge battery uptake, though practical difficulties may prevent that happening.
Every crisis throws up opportunities. Here are ideas to capitalise on this one, including ‘overbalancing’ your portfolio in stocks, buying heavily discounted LICs, and cherry picking bombed out sectors like oil and gas.
While many chase high yields, true investment power lies in companies that steadily grow dividends. This strategy, rooted in patience and discipline, quietly compounds wealth and anchors investors through market turbulence.
Behind market volatility and tariff threats lies a deeper strategy. Trump’s real goal isn’t trade reform but managing America's massive debts, preserving bond market confidence, and preparing for potential QE.
Strategies to get rich versus stay rich are markedly different. Here is a look at the five main ways to get rich, including through work, business, investing and luck, as well as those that preserve wealth.
After the recent market correction, we screen the ASX 200 for potential investment ideas, including cheap stocks, those offering sustainable, high dividend yields, and quality companies at reasonable prices.
Sydney is set to become the world’s most expensive city for housing over the next 12 months, a new report shows. Our other major cities aren’t far behind unless there are major changes to improve housing affordability.
Imagine receiving an email from your bank demanding to know if you keep cash at home and threatening to freeze your accounts if you don't respond in seven days. This happened to me and it raises disturbing questions.
Here is a checklist of 27 important issues you should address before June 30 to ensure your SMSF or other super fund are in order and that you are making the most of the strategies available.
Despite a brief correction last month, Australian bank share prices have continued their impressive run. Recent results show the banks remain in good shape though some are faring better than others.
In this interview, Ophir’s Andrew Mitchell outlines how he’s handled recent Trump-fuelled volatility, his three key criteria for picking stocks, and why he thinks Life360 is set for much bigger things.
Dan Rasmussen says the capital pouring into private assets outstrips the opportunity set and the economic substance of most companies being bought and lent to. The true test will come when inflows turn to outflows.
A new study challenges the notion that Government spending is wasteful - public investment can yield major long-term economic gains, often outperforming private investment in driving GDP growth.