Olivers Insights
An excellent overview of 2012 and a refreshingly bold attempt to map out the next twelve months, by AMP Capital's Dr Shane Oliver. Take a close look at the table of investment returns and forecasts. Enjoy! Rick Maggi
20/11/12: November Market & Economic Update
November 2012 Economic Update (Easy Reading)
AMP Capital's Dr Shane Oliver presents a brief market and economic snapshot. Enjoy. Rick Maggi. Market & Economic Update
01/09/12: Economy still growing strong
Australia still the envy of the developed world...
In light of recent comments about the state of our economy, I thought this was a refreshing article... Read more Rick Maggi.
14/08/12: If you invested $10,000 thirty years ago...
The Vanguard 2012 Index Chart
There's nothing quite like time to smooth out the rough patches and provide investors with some perspective. This chart, just released by Vanguard, shows what would have happened to a $10,000 investment made in 1982 had an investor selected either Australian shares, international shares, US shares, listed property, Australian bonds or cash. While the final result will likely surprise many, I believe the wide gap between Australian shares and cash is the standout statistic. View Chart Here
24/02/12: Low return world ten years on...
...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
02/12/11: December 2011 Snapshot
Hedging against uncertainty
This month's snapshot focuses on the impact of hedging the international component of your investment or superannuation portfolio. This is an area we've been urging our clients to consider for quite some time as the performance difference between a currency hedged international fund versus unhedged (the vast majority of Australians have unhedged funds) can be miles apart in the shorter term. Rick Maggi December 2011 Snapshot
01/11/11: MARKET Snapshot
Investing today: Getting the right mix
This month's Snapshot focuses on selecting the right asset allocation when investing, pre and post retirement. Read November Snapshot
04/10/11: October 2011 Snapshot
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...
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
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
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
02/07/11: July 2011 Snapshot
Disconnect...
Our July Snapshot looks at how the Australian sharemarket and economy actually fared during the past 12 months and what may lay ahead. July Snapshot
10/06/11: Challenging markets
Navigating the gloom
Vanguard's Robin Bowerman briefly discusses some time-tested ways to work through challenging market conditions and retain your sense of humour. Read here
01/06/11: Winter Newsletter - 1 June 2011
Winter Newsletter
Australian property is a topic of constant interest so we start with an analysis of the local property market. Is it a bubble, as some claim, about to burst? Alternatively, is it treading water or deflating gently? We have some insights we hope can enlighten you about what might be happening. Download here
01/03/11: Autumn Newsletter
The US is still the biggest kid on the block
We put the spotlight on the United States, still the world's largest and most important economy. Our article examines the early signs of economic recovery there, and underlines how important further US growth is for Australian investors and investments. With insurance a key topic of discussion after a succession of natural disasters over summer, we have put together a checklist to guide you through a review of the cover you already have and the cover you may not have. Finally, we take a look at the art and skill of listening to other people. We reflect on some common barriers to effective listening, and share with you some tips and strategies we can all use to increase our own listening skills, and derive more benefit and enjoyment from all our conversations. Download PDF
01/12/10: Summer Newsletter
Going dollar for dollar...
We take a closer look at the pluses and minuses of currency fluctuations, what the future might hold, and how both businesses and investors manage currency risk. We also explore the income options available to the over 55s, with a focus on how transition to retirement pensions contribute to your financial future. And to set you up for the New Year, we look at the vexed issue of time - how to use it productively rather than lose it. We hope you find some nuggets among these articles, and we welcome your response or questions on any of these issues. Download the PDF