As the saying goes, knowledge is power.

One of the best weapons you can have on a battlefield is knowing your stuff and making sure you are up to date with the latest industry information. The same theory could be applied to property investment. The same theory could be applied to property investment.

Knowing and understanding the economy can help you to anticipate what way the property industry will shift next. Thus, ultimately giving you more control over your dollar, and your investment. It can be the difference between losing money or making millions.

So long as it comes from a respected source, all knowledge is valuable. In fact, being resourceful is considered an investment in itself so it certainly pays for investors to remain up-to-date with the latest information, data and reports on topics, such as interest rates, the Australian Dollar and the Australian economy in general.

To help keep you on your toes, we have decided to bring you some of the key findings from the St George’s Quarterly Economic Outlook. Here are 10 of the key highlights to come from the report which will hopefully help shed some light on what is instore in 2016 and beyond.

10 Economic Highlights for 2016

1.  Australian economy is set to grow modestly in 2016 and reach 25 consecutive years without a recession.
2.  Low interest rates and a lower AUD are expected to help counteract weaker capital spending in the mining sector.
3.  Labour market indicators remain firm and business sentiment is mildly positive.
4.  Demand for credit is edging higher and export volumes are set to increase.
5.  RBA is expected to leave its cash rate on hold throughout 2016.
6.  Further rate cuts appear unwarranted this year, while a rate hike can wait until 2017.
7.  Australian bond and swap yields are expected to edge higher in 2016 as the US gradually lifts its Fed funds rate.
8.  Ongoing low inflation, modest global growth and quantitative easing in Europe and China should limit the increases in yields.
9.  We expect the AUD to mostly trade near 70 US cents over the first half of 2016, notwithstanding some volatility while financial markets  remain on edge.
10.  Our end of 2016 forecast is 74 US cents, reflecting growing signs of a pickup in domestic growth towards the later part of the year.  

With modest growth and low inflation on the horizon, as well as a steady cash rate throughout the year, it seems like there is a lot to be happy about when it comes to the Australian economy in 2016 – with the St George report reiterating this.

As confidence in the economy grows, we expect the property market will follow in its footsteps. So hold on tight and get ready for an exciting year ahead full of new and fruitful prospects. Take the time now to build your network, do your homework and surround yourself with sound professionals (like the HSBP team) who can help you along the way – in other words build your knowledge base and conquer the world.

To help you along the way, contact Hannah on 0419 782 133 and find out how HS Brisbane Property can help you make the most of every opportunity that lies ahead.