Strategy

EOFY: Time to take stock, why costs matter...

EOFY: Time to take stock, why costs matter...

Maybe its just me, but all too often, perhaps in the drive to achieve better investment results, fee considerations seem to fall off the agenda somewhere along the line…

Financial counsellor or planner: What's the difference?

Financial counsellor or planner: What's the difference?

Ok we get it, knowing where to turn to for financial advice can be confusing sometimes! Financial planners and financial counsellors are both types of financial experts, so which one is right for you?

Warning: Your pension payment could be halved...

Warning: Your pension payment could be halved...

Did you receive a letter from your super fund? There’s no need to be worried about the upcoming changes to pension payments, they’re optional, but you do need to act

2018-19: A rough ride, but ok in the end...

2018-19: A rough ride, but ok in the end...

The past financial year saw a roller coaster ride for investors. Share markets plunged into Christmas only to rebound over the last six months. This note reviews the last financial year and takes a look at the investment outlook for 2019-20…

Don't fight the Fed, ECB, RBA...

Don't fight the Fed, ECB, RBA...

The Federal Reserve (Fed) and the European Central Bank are now looking to reduce interest rates, and here in Australia, we’re possibly looking at another two cuts as the RBA attempts to shore up the local economy. So how should investors respond?

Uncommonly average...

Uncommonly average...

Ask a farmer about average rainfall figures and he’s likely to look at you sceptically. Knowing how actual rainfall varies from year to year, farmers will carefully manage their crops and irrigation. It’s a lesson many investors could learn as well…

Your No 1 Financial Focus, Decade By Decade...

Your No 1 Financial Focus, Decade By Decade...

Everyone has a different life journey they’re on. But getting on top of key financial goals as you follow your own path could see you enjoying a more comfortable lifestyle and being ready for the next chapter to begin. Read our guide to getting all your money matters sorted out, one decade at a time…

Are shares too expensive?

Are shares too expensive?

Some commentators claim shares are way overvalued and so a crash is inevitable. As always, it’s a lot more complicated, but given the current turbulence in share markets it’s worth having a look at whether share markets are expensive or not as a guide to how vulnerable we are to further falls….

A Question of Equilibrium

A Question of Equilibrium

“Sellers were out in force on the market today after negative news on the economy.” It’s a common line
in TV finance reports. But have you ever wondered that if there are so many sellers out there, who is buying?

Australian Economy: 5 Things You Should Know...

Australian Economy: 5 Things You Should Know...

For years now, many have told us that Australia is heading for an imminent recession. By contrast official forecasts have long been looking for several years of above trend growth. In the event neither has happened and we don’t see them happening anytime soon. Against this backdrop there are five things you should know about the Australian economy…

Trumponomics

Trumponomics

For the most part Trump the pragmatist has dominated so far. But we have clearly seen a swing to Trump the populist this year – raising risks for investors...

Strong returns, but storm clouds gather...

Strong returns, but storm clouds gather...

After reviewing the returns of the last financial year, this note looks at the investment outlook for 2018-19 financial year…

Global Debt: Be alert, but not alarmed

Global Debt: Be alert, but not alarmed

As global interest rates bottom, concerns about rising inflation and interest rates, quite naturally, come to the fore, particularly in a time where global debt (country, corporate and personal debt) are an all time high. So as investors, retirees and superannuation members, how concerned should we be? AMP’s Dr Shane Oliver gives 7 reasons to be alert, but not alarmed…

US/China: Circling The Drain

US/China: Circling The Drain

After months of negotiations, China and the US are on the brink of an all-out trade war. On Friday, the US unveiled a list of $50bn in Chinese goods to target with 25% tariffs, pledging more duties if China retaliated…