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The little Aussie Battler (the Australian Dollar) also had a significant move over the last 12 months, moving from around 78c, up to almost 82c, then falling to around 70c. The trading range of 11.9c was the widest since 2014, showing volatility has crept into foreign exchange markets too. The moves were a reaction to strengthening interest rates in the US and poor trade/economic growth sentiment for our major trading partner – China.

December stock market jitters have wiped 6 months and in some cases, a year's worth of gains away from returns. Into year end Geo-political tensions escalated on Huawei's CFO arrest, and the China/US tariff posturing. US Markets shed 2-3% a day in one week, leaving them broadly 5-8% lower for the year. This is because solid underlying earnings growth is being ignored in favour of higher risks ahead, including interest rates, trade, Brexit and a slowing global economy. In Australia, it is increasingly likely that we will have a Shorten Labor Government and tax policy for CGT & Franking Credits will be targeted and ultimately have significant implications for stocks, hybrids, and property markets.

2018 has proven rather uneventful for the Australian Reserve Bank. With the average Australian the most indebted they have ever been (at circa 190% of disposable income to debt) it has been welcome to most to see cash rates remain at their historic 1.5% low.

The following analysis has been sourced from a Listed Investment Company (BKI) which focuses on investing in high yielding companies for its investors. It discusses the proposal and what the chief concerns are with regard to the policy.

Australian house prices continue to make headlines for all the wrong reasons.