While self managed super funds are not for everyone, they do offer significant benefits. Running an SMSF successfully requires investment, legal, super and admin skills – or the ability to get help from people who have those skills. Having control over how your retirement savings are invested is one of the many benefits of SMSFs. On the flip side, the...

Introduction In the confusing and often seemingly illogical world of investing, investors often make various mistakes that keep them from reaching their financial  goals. This note takes a look at the nine most common mistakes. Mistake #1 Crowd support indicates a sure thing “I will tell you how to become rich…Be fearful when others are greedy. Be greedy when others...

Superannuation funds have recorded another impressive year of returns for members with international technology and Australian banking shares driving above average returns over 2024. Concerns over inflation caused a slow start to the year, with multiple negative monthly returns recorded until October 2023. Increased confidence in the outlook for inflation and ongoing developments in artificial intelligence led a market rally...

A managed fund generates income from its investments – for example, through share dividends, interest on cash or fixed interest investments in the fund, or any gains made when fund investments (like shares) are sold. So in short, a distribution is profit or income made by a fund and paid to investors. How are distributions paid? Managed investment funds are...

While an exposure to hedge funds can provide a lift to a portfolio’s performance, they also offer the potential to generate high returns… at a risk. What's a hedge fund and how do they work? Hedge funds typically play an important role in financial markets. In fact, when markets are volatile, hedge fund managers are often able to spot, and...

Investing in infrastructure is about investing in the companies that provide essential services to society and earning predictable, reliable returns in the process. More than 350 infrastructure and utility companies are listed on global stock markets, with the sector having a combined market capitalisation in excess of US$4 trillion; about three times the market value of the Australian stock market....

Investors maintained a healthy risk appetite for much of October, which enabled major share markets to make further progress. Movements in the US set the tone, with the S&P 500 Index rising to fresh all-time highs during the month. Towards month end, however, subdued results from some of the largest technology firms in the US saw markets reverse direction and...

As value returns to market favour it’s time to check in on your portfolio – but not all value exposure is created equal. A notable comeback in value stocks over the past six months is an important reminder for investors to reassess their portfolio allocations. Value stocks, which typically trade at a discount to their intrinsic value and offer higher...

Back in November we saw five reasons to expect a higher $A. These largely remain valid and the $A seems to be perking up again. Source: AMP Firstly, from a long-term perspective the $A remains somewhat cheap. The best guide to this is what is called Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) according to which exchange rates should equalise the price of...

Conventional wisdom used to dictate Australians were better paying off their home loans, and then, once debt free turning their attention to building up their super. But with interest rates ramping up over the past two years and uncertainty as to when they are likely to reduce, what’s the right strategy in the current market? It’s one of the most...

Let’s explore the ins and outs of salary sacrificing into your super and help you determine if it's worth considering as part of your financial strategy. We're all familiar with the concept of super. It's that portion of our salary that employers are required to contribute to a super fund on our behalf, with the goal of providing us with...

Asset allocation is the process of dividing funds between different asset classes including cash, bonds, property and shares. This takes place as spreading resources across different asset classes can help diversify the portfolio’s holdings, which is an important way to manage risk. In theory, asset classes rise and fall at different times. So, when one asset class rises another will...

Australian shares fared well in July, buoyed by suggestions that no further interest rate hikes will be necessary. With inflation coming off the boil, there was optimism that borrowing costs have peaked and could be lowered later this year. In turn, this could be beneficial for corporate earnings. Returns from overseas shares were positive too, albeit partly owing to weakness...

Common human biases that investors should understand when it comes to investing is extremely important. These biases are ingrained in human nature, leading to tendencies to oversimplify, rely on quick thinking or exhibit excessive confidence in judgments, which may lead to investment mistakes. By gaining insight into these biases, investors may be able to make better decisions to help reduce...

AI is revolutionising the world of investing in ways previously unimaginable. Technological advancements have continuously reshaped the way we invest and manage our money. One such example that has been gaining significant traction and attracting a large amount of attention in recent years is AI (Artificial Intelligence) investing. With its ability to analyse vast amounts of data, identify patterns and...

Investment funds can be broadly split into two categories – active and passive. And while both options play a part in an investment portfolio, it’s important to understand how each works before allocating money to them. Basics of passive investing Passive investing has gained momentum in Australia, and beyond, over the last decade. It could be because this style of...

How could the proposals impact you and your finances? May 2024 The 2024 Federal Budget provides cost of living relief through 1 July tax cuts, lower power bills, higher welfare payments and support for small businesses. Note: These changes are proposals only and may or may not be made law. You should speak to your financial adviser to understand more...

The First Home Super Saver Scheme is a valuable initiative to help first time buyers overcome the challenges of entering the property market. Purchasing a home is a significant financial milestone, but the ever increasing property prices make it challenging for first time buyers in Australia to enter the market. To help ease this burden, the Australian government created the...

Government Age Pension payments increased on 20 March, so if you're one of the millions of eligible Australians, you’ll have a little more to spend. The increases are designed to help address inflation and cost of living increases. Here’s what happened. Age Pension payments increase in March 2024 due to indexation Here are the maximum Age Pension payment rates that...

Encouragingly the International Monetary Fund (IMF) raised its global growth forecast for 2024, following ‘surprisingly resilient’ economic conditions. IMF officials now expect global GDP growth of 3.2% this year. Despite this positive news, major share markets lost ground in April following five months of unbroken gains. Ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, particularly in the Middle East, was unsettling and prompted some investors...

Cash has been one of the best performing defensive assets over the past three years. When compared with global bonds (a riskier asset class), a typical portfolio of term deposits would have returned a cumulative 12.6% in comparison to -8.5% for global bonds over the three years to December 2023. With interest rates expected to stay higher for longer, cautious...

With the Australian dollar trading below long-term averages and expected to rise as the US dollar peaks, it’s time to think about protecting overseas investments with hedging. The following are the reasons why: Hedging can offset currency movements Rising AUD could crimp returns on overseas assets. The Aussie dollar is below its long-term average against the US dollar, indicating it...

Risk is about tolerating the potential for losses. Understanding your risk appetite allows you to make well informed decisions about your money. For some people, risk means excitement and opportunity. For others, it invokes feelings of fear and discomfort. We all experience a degree of risk in our everyday lives – whether it’s simply walking down the street or having...

Key points Seven key lasting impacts from the Coronavirus pandemic are: “bigger” government; tighter labour markets; reduced globalisation and increased geopolitical tensions; higher inflation; worse housing affordability; working from home; and a faster embrace of technology. On balance these make for a more fragmented and volatile world for investment returns. But it’s not all negative. Introduction It’s four years since...

Managed funds may give you access to a broader range of investment types by pooling your money together with other investors. Find out how they work and if they’re for you. If you want to diversify your investment portfolio and spread potential risk within and across different asset classes, sectors and geographic markets, you may find you’re limited by the...

Many people continue, or even start, working once they’ve reached Age Pension age. This may be for social reasons, personal fulfilment or to maintain their standard of living. With the higher cost of living at the moment, even more pensioners are taking up work. But what does this mean if you’re receiving the Age Pension? The government’s Work Bonus means...

In the 2016 Federal Budget, the Government introduced the transfer balance cap as part of a broader superannuation reform package. The transfer balance cap imposes a lifetime limit on the amount of superannuation that can be transferred into a tax free retirement pension account. While it may appear straightforward, understanding its nuances is essential for effective retirement planning. What is...

It’s a dilemma many of us face – are we better off directing extra money to our mortgage or super? As with most financial decisions, it’s not a one size fits all approach and here are some factors to consider in deciding what’s right for you. Key takeaways: There may be tax advantages when you contribute to super, especially if...

Key points Inflation is in retreat thanks to improved supply and cooling demand. A further fall is likely this year. Australian inflation remains relatively high – but this mainly reflects lags rather than a more inflation prone economy. Profit gouging or wages were not the cause of high inflation. The main risks relate to the conflict in the Middle East...

A rally in the second half of the month helped global share markets generate solid gains in January, extending the rally from November and December. The latest indicators suggest economic conditions are holding up quite well in most regions, which augurs well for corporate earnings. With inflation still above central bank targets, investors pared back their expectations for interest rate...