Market/Economic Update

01/06/12: Bond funds vs term deposits

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Which is better in the current environment?

Jeff Brunton, Head of Credit Markets (AMP) discusses the benefits of bond funds in an environment of declining interest rates.  Rick Maggi.  View video here

13/04/12: Some encouraging modern history...

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March quarter foreshadows strong returns ahead...

In this brief article, filled with positive messages, Elm Capital's John Robertson takes a look at the strong start to 2012 and what we might expect for the remainder of 2012, based on modern history.  Let's hope he's right. Enjoy!  Rick Maggi  Read here

22/03/12: Mining boom to shift into overdrive

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$60 billion export surge

The pay-off from the surge in resource investment is at hand, with rapid growth in export volumes now evident and set to continue for the next 5 years, far outweighing any weakness in prices. Read more here.   Rick Maggi

14/03/12: Dow Rises to Highest Level Since 2007

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Good news...

US stocks advanced strongly again, sending the Dow Jones up over 200 points, to the highest level since 2007, well past 13,000. Read more here

24/02/12: Low return world ten years on...

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...and what does it mean for investing?

This article, yet another from Dr Shane Oliver, will be interest to all investors, superannuation, pension and wealth accumulators alike.  Rick Maggi  Read Oliver's Insights

17/02/12: Greece & Europe: What are the risks?

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What's the risk of a disorderly default and euro break-up?

Utterly exasperated, many would now like to see Greece immediately comply or leave the Eurozone. This article looks at the risks and potential impact. Rick Maggi  Read here

03/02/12: Dow and S&P500 have best January since 1997

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Some good news...

It's the best start in 15 years. In what was mostly a slow and steady climb, the Dow Jones Industrial average rose 3.4 per cent in January and Standard & Poor's 500 gained 4.4 per cent, the best performances for both indexes to open a year since 1997.   Rick Maggi  Read more here

18/01/12: 2012 and beyond - a list of lists

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Oliver's Insights

As always, AMP Capital's Dr Shane Oliver provides an excellent, easy to understand overview of markets and the economy. This will assist investment, superannuation and pension clients to formulate their strategies and expectations going forward. Enjoy!   Rick Maggi Oliver's Insights

20/12/11: The year ahead...

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A year of disasters

(Video) AMP Capital's Dr Shane Oliver series of videos takes a look at 2011 and looks forward into 2012. Worth viewing.  Rick Maggi.  Watch video

16/12/11: Behold the beauty of bonds

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An outstanding year for Bonds...

Vanguard's Robin Bowerman focuses on the outstanding performance of bonds during 2011, but also highlights the age old importance of diversification.   Rick Maggi  Read here

13/12/11: Should we be concerned about 2012?

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Oliver's Insights

AMP Capital's Dr Shane Oliver looks back on 2011 and, perhaps more importantly, takes a balanced and rational look forward into 2012. Next year could be better than many expect.  Rick Maggi.  Read Shane Oliver's report

04/10/11: October 2011 Snapshot

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BRIC and Australia's fortunes

This snapshot steps back from the current upheaval to take a broader view of what is taking place, what it means, and why it is significant for Australian investors. Read October 2011 Snapshot

29/09/11: What the world needs now...

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Have global policy makers run out of bullets?

The chronic failure of Europe to bring its debt problems under control, an ongoing flow of poor global economic data combined with alarmist comments from global officials has seen global share markets retest lows. AMP Capital's Dr Shane Oliver shares his views. Read Oliver's Insights

06/09/11: The courage to stand still

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Thinking about moving to cash?

Inertia can be an investor's enemy but at times like these it can be an ally - Vanguard's Robin Bowerman explains why. Robin Bowerman

01/09/11: Spring Newsletter - 1 September 2011

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Is saving the new 'black'?

In this issue, we take another look at the debt crisis, the importance of income protection and the public's new found passion for saving and thrift. Read Spring Newsletter

28/10/11: The European Plan

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Europe gets a financial plan

This New York Times article is a good summary of the EU deal announced in the last 24 hours.  Read here