Presumably as a result of the recent global turmoil, Australia’s savings rate jumped to 4% of income during last year. And that is a major change from three years ago — when spending outpaced our income growth.

As we emerged from the financial scare, our savings rate peaked at 6.3% in mid-2009; and was running at around 2.3% by year’s end. Nonetheless … still well above what you saw during the past 10 years.

Recently, the RBA estimated that household wealth grew by just over 11% last year to reach around $610,000 on average. And our real disposable income grew by a respectable 3.5% as well.

Both of these are on par with the boom-time highs of 2007.

h3. For Commercial Investors …

Many consumers seem to have ignored the RB A’s recent rate rises.

Although, with overall household debt and still very high levels … you are likely to see spending ease, and this will then start to affect specialty retailers — like fashion, footwear and accessories.

However, most food outlets (such as grocers, cafes and restaurants) should continue to enjoy strong demand … driven by the nation’s love affair with TV shows like MasterChef.

It seems cooking and eating out are relatively low-cost pleasures everyone can enjoy — even when times are tough.

I realise Christmas is almost upon us … but may I wish you and your family all the very best, at this joyful time of year.

As with past years, I have not sent out a whole host of Christmas cards.
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Apparently, some of you had somehow heard on the grapevine that I was unexpectedly rushed to Western Hospital (Footscray) on Father’s Day.

And then spent last week in Intensive Care.

However, I would just like to sincerely thank all of you who sent through e-mails and phone messages of support my family — during what was a rather scary episode.

Anyway, I’m now “back in the land of the living” … PTL, and thanks to the crack medical team at Western Hospital.

Right now, I’m taking it quietly; but hope to be back in full gear by next week.

As with he past few years, we are making a donation to both The Smith Family and the Melbourne City Mission … rather than fell some more trees, and spend the money on postage.

p=.

p=. However, I do hope you have a wonderful Christmas … and that, together, we can make 2008 an even better year.

And my warm wishes to you and all of your family.

p=. Fondest regards … Chris

If you’re a bit of a cricketing fanatic like me … you would have been delighted with the recent 5-Nil result.

And you’ve probably noticed how _Baggygreen_ or _Ninemsn’s Sportshop_ are promoting loads of memorabilia, every time you watch the cricket. Much of it is very commercial, and often related to the three retiring members of the Test team.

However, I’ve just come across something a “little different and rather unique”:https://www.collinsfinearts.com.au/cart/affiliates/jrox.php?id=1.
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