In spite of the generally positive mood investors remained concerned by the
ongoing spread of the Delta variant of Covid-19, and whether it could derail the
recovery in major economies.
It became apparent that lockdowns in large parts of Australia would persist for longer than initially anticipated. As a result, economists downgraded economic growth forecasts and pushed back their expectations of when the Reserve Bank of Australia might start to raise interest rates.

SMART Business Solutions is proud to announce its recognition as the winner of Excellence in Local Community Connection (Medium–Large Business) and Excellence in Access and Inclusion at the 2025 Mornington Peninsula Business Excellence Awards.
Smart Private Wealth is proud to announce that Founding Director, Shannon Smit, has been recognised in the 2025 FS Power50, Financial Standard’s annual list of the 50 most influential financial advisers in Australia.
Smart Private Wealth, part of the Smart Business Solutions Group, has been honoured as a recipient of the prestigious 2025 Barry Lambert Award, recognising exceptional community fundraising and volunteer work within the Count Financial network.