Wed, 13th Mar 2024

This week's Finance News Wrap covers various financial challenges facing Australian businesses and homeowners. The mounting debts and high risk of insolvencies spell tough times for small and medium businesses, particularly in the hospitality sector, Western Sydney, and Southeast Queensland. In finance trends, a Finder study reveals that one in three Australians, especially Generation Z, is turning to 'finfluencers' for financial advice, warranting caution and independent verification. Additionally, the housing market displays resilience, with home value index increasing by a surprising 32.5% since 2020, putting pressure on the construction sector and affecting rental prices. Lastly, rising interest rates impose a heavy burden on homeowners, who spend a record 19.3% of their income on repayments, with relief potentially in sight from the Reserve Bank of Australia. Visit us at 'financialservicesonline.com.au' for more financial insights.