John Cameron's personal blog

1. Changing Times

For several years, we have been in an environment of ever falling interest rates, as Governments have relied on monetary policy to fix the damage wreaked by the GFC.

However, while this has arguably prevented some really horrible things from happening (such as a world-wide depression), it has not succeeded in making good things happen. Now many are looking to more Government spending to boost economic growth. In this context president-elect Donald Trump spoke on election night of modernising America’s often old and creaking infrastructure and making it the world’s best. Depending on the scale, this would indeed be a game changer. If successful, it could also draw other countries down this path, as well as lead to rising (instead of falling) interest rates.

Miracle of Miracles, Wonder of Wonders -  the much debated, and heavily criticised (by some) changes to the superannuation system have passed Parliament and are set to become law. The original changes (amendments) were announced in the May budget. As a result of heavy criticism, the original amendments have been amended sufficiently to pass through the Parliament.

Passage through Parliament at this time indicates a degree of cooperation between the various political parties. It was starting to look like they may not pass until the March sitting of Parliament, and this would have put their implementation date under pressure, as the changes are due to start on 1st July, 2017.

Now the work begins of looking closely at the details. On first glance, it looks like the effects of the changes will vary greatly between different individuals. Some people will see no change at all. For others, the changes will be substantial. More to come.