Fri, 19th Apr 2024

This week's finance news highlights a concerning 16% rise in Australian student debt, sparking calls for urgent educational reform. The Prime Minister is considering a review of the Higher Education Contribution Scheme. In banking news, ANZ is discontinuing cheque books due to the digital shift and a 90% drop in cheque use over the past decade, but it assures existing cheque customers will retain access to their services. According to recent data, ClearBridge Investments encourages investors to look beyond familiar tech giants and consider the S&P 493 index and the small-cap stock market. Meanwhile, in real estate, Centuria Capital Group has increased its stake in Centuria Bass Credit by an additional 30%, aiming to solidify its competitive position despite a profit dip.