The Australian share market tumbled into the red on heavy volume after a weak sales report from supermarket chain Coles, and forecast-beating inflation data dealt a stunning blow to investor optimism.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) is predicting a very average QLD summer with up to eight cyclones predicted to potentially form off the coast.

As another year rolls to a close and we prepare for the new year to come, it can be a time of reflection for many people. Taking stock of the year and your life may include everything and anything from business and career to family and health.

The Australian share market firmed again, after soft US inflation data soothed rate rise fears, but forecast matching Chinese GDP growth had no impact on investors increasingly dubious over its accuracy.

The Australian sharemarket reversed early weakness as consumer sentiment remained firm and the British pound rebounded from heavy losses.

This week, the share market recovered some of its early falls but still closed in negative territory as sentiment remained subdued on strengthened expectations of a rate hike by the US Federal Reserve.

The S&P/ASX 200 index jumped 0.6 per cent at the open yesterday, but it dropped into the red and closed up 6.5 points, or 0.12 per cent, at 5412.4.

2016 is proving to be advantageous for many business owners, with continued growth and strong returns. However, as the year rounds out into what is typically known as Australia's downtime - January - business owners (especially those in the Agricultural industry) should be assessing their risks and options now, to guarantee a smooth run into the new year.

The share market has closed slightly higher following a lead from Wall Street. Investors have still been cautious ahead of the US and Japanese monetary policy statements being released in the coming days.

The Australian share market has ended in the black with its first positive close in five days, as a strong bid on the banks offset weakness in the resource space.

Australian shares made early gains after weak US economic indicators further reduced expectations of a rate hike but drifted lower for the afternoon trading session.

In the debate around government policy and the age pension, much is made of those people who receive the age pension, and the adequacy of it as a retirement income stream.

While the nation's overall credit card debt that attracts interest charges has dropped 11% in the past four years, our overall credit card debt has reached a record high of $52.2 billion!

The share market has edged higher as gain by the banks and resource giants offset falls by Wesfarmers and Telstra, as earnings reports became available.

Schuh Group was proud to be the major sponsor of Wishlist's inaugural Jazz and Wine Festival held in Gympie last Saturday night. The event was the first of many to come and raised an incredible $25,000 for Gympie Hospital.

This week the share market closed lower to finish a strong run, after financials and resource giants took a hit, including the Commonwealth Bank, Westpac and Rio Tinto. In the US market, stock indexes retreated from record levels as a drop in oil prices pressured energy stocks.

The Australian share market has posted a sharp fall, hurt by weakness in all sectors, particularly financial and health care stocks.

With local equity returns offering investors uninspiring returns over the last financial year, it was inevitable that the media would tee off about the lack of growth in "Super".