Peter Switzer
+ About Peter Switzer

Peter Switzer is one of Australia’s leading business and financial commentators, launching his own business 20 years ago. The Switzer Group has since grown into three successful companies spanning media and publishing, financial services and business coaching.

Peter is an award-winning broadcaster, twice runner-up for the Best Current Affairs Commentator award for radio, behind broadcaster Alan Jones. A former lecturer in economics at the University of NSW, Peter is currently:

  • weekly columnist for Yahoo!7 Finance
  • a regular contributor to The Australian newspaper and ABC radio
  • host of his own TV show, Switzer and Grow Your Business, on SKY News Business
  • regular host of the Super Show on 2GB radio.

Testimonials

Dear Peter, What fun! You are really very good at what you do. I appreciated our time together and wish you continued success in all you do. Have fun (I know you will).

Jack Welch, former CEO, GE, and ‘Manager of the Century’ (Fortune magazine)

Peter, It was great to have worked with you – you really made the event come alive. I hope you enjoyed yourself. I know Steve Ballmer [CEO, Microsoft Corporation] did.

John Galligan, Director of Corporate Affairs & Citizenship, Microsoft Australia

Here’s a home truth, my only real education – or teacher who I actually ever listen to – is your interviews on Qantas. So thank you with sincere respect.

Sean Ashby, Co-Founder, AussieBum

Peter did a wonderful job on the night; keeping the program moving, working around changes to the run sheet, and ensuring each award recipient, and our sponsors, were made to feel welcome and important. The feedback received from those attending has all been extremely positive.

Peter Mace, General Manager NSW, Australian Institute of Export

Peter, We would like to congratulate you for performing your master of ceremonies role in such a professional, entertaining and informative manner. We were impressed by your ability to tease out each winner’s story so that the audience gained maximum benefit from their collective business experiences.

Greg Evans and Nicolle Flint, Directors, Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Hi Peter, I listened to you speak this morning and thought you were amazing. I am an accountant and in risk management and have never thought about doing a SWOT on myself – thanks for the tip!

Serife Ibrahim, Stockland Corporation Ltd

Dear Peter, Thank you for your valuable contribution to this year’s forum. Ninety-two per cent of delegates rated your presentation highly, commenting on its useful and topical content.

Catherine Batch, Head of Marketing and Communications, Indue

Peter has facilitated our CEO and CFO symposiums over the last three years. A true professional, he takes away the stresses of hosting and organising an event.

Justine Goss, Strategy Group

Who’s afraid of QE3?

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Wall Street continued to show that it was less afraid of quantitative easing (QE) tapering than we are with the Dow up 138.38 points or 0.91 per cent to 15,318.23 and the S&P 500 12.77 points or 0.78 per cent higher to 1651.81. So what is going on? Yesterday, on a day when our market should have gone up, the Reserve Bank (RBA) left the door open on further rate cuts and inferred it would like a lower dollar. This sent the stock market down, but bargain hunters dived into the banks, and so the sell-off ended up only being 11.4 points. In simple terms, we have volatility because there’s a pile of unknowns, including the Federal Reserve’s latest on what it might be doing with the third round of quantitative easing (QE3), and that answer should come around Thursday. Also,...read the full article ›
| More

 

Craig James
Economy Expert
+ About Craig James

Craig James is CommSec’s Chief Economist.

He became chief economist of Colonial Group in September 1987, before becoming chief economist at CommSec in August 2000 with the Commonwealth takeover of Colonial.

CommSec economic reports are a bit different in that they devise tools such as the ‘Mums and Dads’ share index and the iPod index, and undertake research on the weather and demographic changes to show how they affect the economy.

Craig currently does around 2-3 regular TV crosses a day, ad hoc radio and newspaper interviews and writes regular commentaries as well as presenting to staff, clients and external organisations.

Recession concerns ahead of election

Monday, June 17, 2013

Just like in the Global Financial Crisis, Australia is at risk of talking itself into recession. While people in other countries may find this bizarre, it all gets down to a lack of momentum and the key culprit is the upcoming election. Unfortunately many businesses and consumers have decided that they can’t make major spending, investing or employment decisions until after the election. Clearly this is short-sighted as so many economic variables are outside the control of the Government such as short and longer-term interest rates, the Aussie dollar and the sharemarket. It matters little whether the current government is returned or there is a change of government, the business environment on September 13 won’t be much different to that existing on September 15. And...read the full article ›
| More

 

John McGrath
Property Expert
+ About John McGrath

John McGrath is considered one of the most influential figures in the Australian property industry. As Chief Executive of McGrath Estate Agents, he took the company from a start-up in 1988 to one of Australia's most successful residential real estate groups, selling $5.7 billion in residential property in Sydney in FY11.

A total solution company, McGrath Estate Agents currently has offices located throughout Sydney, the Central and North Coasts, Southern Highlands, the Blue Mountains, Wollongong, Gungahlin (ACT) and the Gold Coast (QLD), as part of its growing franchise network.

In October 2008, he was honoured by the Real Estate Institute of NSW with the Woodrow Weight OBE Award, a lifetime achievement award for his outstanding contribution to the real estate industry.

John himself has become a spokesperson for the industry both in Australia and internationally. John has five books that have reached bestseller status including “You Don’t Have To Be Born Brilliant” and “You Inc.”. In “The Ultimate Guide to Real Estate”, John shares with the reader his invaluable knowledge on the Australian property market.

www.johnmcgrathblog.com.au

Active vs. passive buyers

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

At any point in time, there are active buyers out in the market looking for a property like yours. Active buyers are committed to buying. They’re out there every Saturday attending open homes and they’re online looking for new listings. If you advertise only online, these are the buyers you’ll reach. The buyers you won’t reach are what we call ‘passive buyers’. These are the buyers who are still ‘just thinking’ of moving. They’re open to inspecting a great property but they’re not really looking yet, so they’re not online. But what they are doing is reading the property sections in their local newspaper. These days, advertising your property online is a no-brainer. Not only does it reach active buyers, it also casts a...read the full article ›
| More

 

Shane Oliver
Financial Markets
+ About Shane Oliver

Shane Oliver is head of investment strategy at chief economist at AMP Capital.

Crunch time for the Australian economy

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Key points With the fading of the mining investment boom, the Australian economy is in for a bumpy ride in the short term, but recession is likely to be avoided. More interest rate cuts and a lower $A are likely to be required though, ultimately resulting in more balanced and stronger growth for the Australian economy in 2014. Introduction Since around August/September last year, when the iron ore price fell sharply and mining companies started cutting investment projects, a cloud has been hanging over the Australian economy. In the last month or so it seems the cloud has got darker. It is increasingly clear China is not growing like it used to be, the mining investment boom has peaked and the rest of the economy has been slow to respond to lower interest rates. The need to transition...read the full article ›
| More

 

Simon Bond
Shares Expert
+ About Simon Bond

 

Simon is 48 years of age and has been in the Investment world almost all his life.

Simon is a Partner at the Newport Office of ABN AMRO Morgans Australia, after having spent almost 2 decades learning his trade in the heart of Stockbroking in Collins Street Melbourne at various firms.

Simon is fanatical about the way that technology and the Internet is altering the Investment landscape around the globe and focuses much of his outlook on how these profound changes will affect the outcomes and futures of investors everywhere.

The industries using technology to stay on cloud 9

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Back in early February we wrote a note detailing why we thought that "the canary in the coalmine" was unemployment and the problems developing for companies with an inability to adapt to the new operating environment. 

 Whilst globally it has become "a race to the bottom" to devalue currencies in order to remain competitive we have simply sailed on into the storm even in the face of the forecasts that we were peppered with. Our high dollar has in my opinion meant that industry in Australia has essentially had one hand tied behind it's back for some time now. Once you get to the tipping point it then becomes too late for many. 

 Just look at the recent headlines about businesses closing down. The sad irony is it could have all been avoided. 

Please...read the full article ›
| More

 

Jason Huljich
Commercial Property Expert
+ About Jason Huljich

Jason is the Chief Executive Officer of Centuria Property Funds and a Director of the ASX listed Centuria Capital Limited.

In his role Jason is responsible for providing strategic leadership and ensuring the effective operation of Centuria’s property portfolio. Centuria Property Funds has over $1.1 billion of assets under management including 50 properties located throughout Australia. Centuria Property Funds is wholly owned subsidiary of Centuria Capital which is an ASX listed diversified funds manager with over $2 billion of assets under management.

He joined Centuria (formerly Century Funds Management Limited) upon its formation in 1999. In July 2006 Century was acquired by the Over Fifty Group and he was appointed General Manager, Property. Jason has been involved in investment property funds in Australia since 1996 and he has developed considerable expertise in investment property selection, fund feasibility and funds management.

Jason is Vice President of the Property Funds Association of Australia (PFA) and sits on the National Executive Committee. PFA is the peak industry body representing the $32 billion direct property investment industry.

Jason holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Commercial Law).

Commercial v. residential: what stacks up?

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

With global investment markets starting to pick up and defensive assets such as cash and fixed interest struggling to perform as interest rates fall, growth sectors like property are becoming more attractive due to higher yields and their potential for capital growth. But with so many different property investment options should investors be looking more closely at commercial property or sticking with the more familiar residential? As CEO of Centuria Property Funds, manager of $1.1 billion in property assets, I am often asked about the differences between commercial and residential property and which is most attractive right now.  My answer is that, while both have their pros and cons, commercial property investments – that is, office, retail or industrial – currently...read the full article ›
| More

 

Sinclair Taylor
SMSF Expert
+ About Sinclair Taylor

Sinclair Taylor is Westpac’s Head of Self Managed Super Funds customer strategy, responsible for leading Westpac's growth in this highly affluent market. He also leads Westpac's Many Rivers microfinance program, providing unsecured micro loans to disadvantaged Australians wishing to start an enterprise.

With a background in law and banking, Sinclair has been a Senior Relationship Manager in Westpac's Commercial Bank and Corporate Business Group, managing a range of business customers, and has spent time working in Westpac's in-house legal team. Prior to joining Westpac, Sinclair ran a successful entrepreneurial SME business.

SMSFs: avoid pitfalls to avoid penalties

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

When your annual SMSF audit is conducted the independent auditor has a legal obligation to inform the Australian Tax Office (ATO) and the SMSF’s trustee(s) of any contraventions which may result in a very stiff penalty. For the trustee there is often nobody else to blame for compliance issues - not their accountant, financial advisor or specialist administrator. Ultimately, the compliance responsibility rests with the SMSF trustee, regardless of any delegation of duties to third parties. SMSF’s are a powerful investment vehicle, so managing an SMSF requires knowledge and skill if it’s to be driven safely. Each year the ATO releases a report outlining the top compliance issues made by SMSF trustees. Such a list is vital reading if a trustee is going to know what to look...read the full article ›
| More

 

Sarina Russo

Negotiation: it’s the name of the game

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Why can one person buy the property they want, while another is always the under bidder? Ever felt like you’ve got the deal across the table only to find out you’ve been negotiating with an underling? Entrepreneur Sarina Russo has signed off many a deal and she’s keen to help you lift your game. There are two golden rules in negotiating a deal. Be prepared to accept the worst; and Know who you are negotiating with.   Be prepared to accept the worst When you negotiate hard you need to accept your best offer may be rejected.  Can you live with that? Can you carry the attitude, well if I don't seal the deal, is there another deal around the corner?   If you can't, you'll find your negotiations become weak. But if you can ....that’s a different story....read the full article ›
| More

 

Michael Witts
Financial Markets
+ About Michael Witts

RBA cash rate held at 2.75% in June

Tuesday, June 04, 2013

What were the main reasons behind today's rate decision? The Bank noted that the easing in interest rates over the past 18 months was supporting interest rate sensitive areas of spending and this they feel, at this time, has provided sufficient stimulus to the domestic economy. Are we likely to see further rate cuts this year? The Bank has again highlighted that the inflation outlook may provide some scope for further easing of interest rates. Growth over the past year has been slightly below trend, and the Bank's outlook is for similar growth in the period ahead, this would appear to support the likelihood of further cuts overs over the second half of 2013. The question, as always, is the quantum and timing of such cuts. We've seen the Australian dollar fall over the past month. What...read the full article ›
| More

 

Heidi Armstrong
Lending Expert
+ About Heidi Armstrong

Heidi Armstrong is the co-founder and Director of Operations for State Custodians Mortgage Company. Since founding the Company in 2006, State Custodians has grown to become one of Australia’s most respected non-bank lenders. Heidi holds a Law Degree, a Bachelor of Science and a Diploma of Finance and Mortgage Broking Management. An expert in credit policy and the mortgage industry, Heidi is passionate about sharing her invaluable knowledge to educate borrowers.

Widely recognised and respected by industry peers, Heidi was a finalist in the 2012 Australian Lending Awards for the Best Thought Leader. Moreover her Company, State Custodians, has received numerous awards. For six years running State Custodians has maintained a ‘5 Star’ CANSTAR rating on four of its main loans and most recently was awarded the 2012 Mortgage of the Year by Your Mortgage Magazine. The Company also won “Non-Bank Lender of the Year” in 2011 and 2012 by both Money Magazine and Your Mortgage Magazine.

Self-managed super funds and the property market

Thursday, February 07, 2013

Who should use a self-managed super fund? The popularity of self-managed super funds (SMSF) is growing rapidly in Australia. There are many reasons for this. With a SMSF you have more control of your super, there are a wider number of investment options and you can even borrow additional funds to purchase certain assets such as property. Managing your own super can be incredibly rewarding, but it is important to remember that it requires time, money and skill. You need to ensure that you have enough money in your fund to cover the initial expense of the SMSF set-up. If you are planning to purchase a property within your SMSF you need to have enough super savings to provide for a reasonable initial deposit. Investing in property with a self-managed super fund One reason that many people...read the full article ›
| More

 

Private Eye

Is there no other store like David Jones?

Monday, May 06, 2013

Peter Switzer talks to former radio news hound David White (aka The Mighty Whitey) about DJs and Myer. So Whitey is there still no other store like David Jones? Well Switz I preface this with the words “one man survey” but I entered retail therapy last week, shopping at David Jones, Chatswood Chase and I found the slogan delivers. Shop floor staff were courteous, helpful without constantly hovering, knew their product lines and unlike their direct retail competition, Myer, were there when you needed them.  On the other hand, shopping at Myer Macquarie Centre is a very lonely experience for customers and I imagine staff as well. What shop assistants there are, try their best but numbers appear to be cut to the bone. One example was the cosmetics section, Couple of weeks...read the full article ›
| More