Data flurry as Omicron shakes sentiment

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Financial markets were shaken by the news of the new Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus which sent shockwaves across the globe. Volatility spiked and risk-sensitive assets fell, while investors sought safety in safe-haven assets. While markets and economists digest the potential implications of this, find out the impact of the recent Delta lockdowns from the September quarterly economic results that many initially feared would be severe.

Download the 29 November 2021 - Weekly economic commentary

Business investment is the focus this week as this will be critical to the economic recovery. We know that consumer spending looks to bounce back strongly, so what about investment?
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The rate of social security payments are affected by an asset and income test. Generally, the test that results in a lower payment is what determines the rate payable.
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A Regulation has now been registered to increase the age when the work test will apply to 67 and also the upper age limit for spouse contributions to 75.
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