Introduction “Does the flap of a butterfly’s wings in Brazil set off a tornado in Texas?” This was the question posed by Edward Lorenz[1], an American meteorologist and a pioneer of chaos theory who coined the term ‘butterfly effect’. For those of us observing and/or involved in the post-Hayne life insurance sector – where the […]
On 1 January 2020, FASEA’s code of ethics became enforceable by law, requiring advisers to comply with its 12 detailed standards. Each standard is explored in detail in FASEA’s guidance. This article, sponsored by GSFM, examines the implications of this in practice and explores ways to ensure your practice and all who work within it […]
19
Feb
2020
Infrastructure investing is increasingly popular within retirement savings plans and it’s easy to understand why. An allocation to infrastructure can potentially deliver lower volatility and a higher dividend yield than global equities, and a diversifying addition to a multi-asset class portfolio. In this article Ganesh Suntharam, CIO and Senior Portfolio Manager with GSFM’s newest investment […]
21
Jan
2020
Imagine a person of prime working age (~40 years old) seeking investment advice for long-term financial security, and ultimately, a comfortable retirement. The potential investment advice may look something like this: Invest in long-term growth assets, like equities Avoid currency risk and favour domestic asset allocation Choose a low-cost index fund Don’t look at the […]
20
Jan
2020
The essence of a quantitative investment approach is straight-forward: it is the utilisation of rational economic and fundamental investment insights in a disciplined and consistent fashion. In this article from GSFM’s investment partner Redpoint Investment Management, CEO Max Cappetta examines the merits of a quantitative investment approach and discusses the benefits of such an approach […]
10
Dec
2019
Bill Priest, CEO, co-CIO and portfolio manager of Epoch Investment Partners (Epoch) recently visited Australia to share Epoch’s world view with financial advisers and in particular, the potential impact of Cold War 2.0 on investment markets. In this article, GSFM shares Bill’s insights, gleaned from an investment career spanning more than 45 years, and discusses […]
05
Dec
2019
There is increasing commentary about the need for financial advice firms to grow in order to survive. This question of growth is starting to reappear post an elongated period of consternation and consolidation in our profession. This article, sponsored by Insight Investment, will explore the two means traditionally used to grow financial advice practices – […]
04
Dec
2019
Les and Lynne are both aged 67; they retired one year ago and have been receiving a portion of their Age Pension from Centrelink to supplement their income. Les and Lyn are enjoying retirement! In January 2020, they will head overseas for about 12 months to travel the world. While they’re away, they will rent […]
26
Nov
2019
Australian insurance literacy is low by world standards. Australians who receive financial advice are more likely to have better literacy levels and a better understanding of their own position. In this article, Zurich explores the need for advice and provides some strategies for articulating your value to clients. The need for risk advice There’s a […]
25
Nov
2019
Since the beginning of this year, financial markets and expectations have turned decidedly bearish. Concerns about a Sino-US trade war, along with the so-called ‘inversion’ of the US yield curve, have heightened apprehension of a US-led recession. This is highlighted by the recent increase in negative-yielding bonds. As per the chart below, the amount of […]
19
Nov
2019
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