The RBA Governor has avoided "jawboning" the dollar lower... Older generations increasingly turning to shared accommodation...
Aussie dollar soars to highest peak since May
The Australian dollar has reached a 10 month high, soaring to US78.26¢ at 5am Sydney time this morning, the Sydney Morning Herald reports. At 7am, its is trading at around 78.18 US cents.
Reserve Bank governor Glenn Stevens avoided "jawboning" the dollar lower but when asked about the strength of the local currency in a presentation in New York yesterday, he said, "our language gets nuanced from time to time as the market changes."
The April 5 board meeting minutes released Tuesday, indicate a growing discomfort at the strengthening exchange rate.
"Members noted that an appreciating exchange rate could complicate progress in activity rebalancing towards the non-mining sectors of the economy," read Tuesday's release.
Older generations increasingly turning to shared accommodation
While it may be more traditionally associated with young people, it appears shared accommodation is becoming an increasingly popular option among older generations.
Recent user analysis conducted by online shared accommodation portal Flatmates.com.au, has revealed that early 2015 has seen a spike in the number of people aged 40 or over looking for shared accommodation.
According to their figures, the number of people aged 40 or above utilising Flatmates.com.au increased by 20% during January and February compared to the same period 12 months ago.
The 60-64 age bracket saw the largest increase, with users in that bracket increasing by 43%, while users aged 50-54 increased 31% and those aged 65 or above increased by 29%.
Flatmates.com.au chief executive officer Thomas Clement said the increase in older people looking for shared accommodation likely shows shared accommodation is becoming increasingly accepted among older generations, though it also likely some people have been forced into the option due to rising rents.
“There is definitely growing acceptance of shared living, particularly amongst those over 50. Some are interested in living with others for company, while many are looking to cut down on their living costs,” Clement said.
“I’ve always been a believer that the client comes for the brand; they don’t come because of the location. They come for the relationship with that broker, and I don’t think that’s changed.”
Jeremy Fisher, 1st Street Home Loans , Top 10 Independent Brokerages 2015
