Christmas cheer returns to markets with Asia and Europe in the spotlight

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Traditional Christmas rally in equities has begun with a reversal of the sell-off from two weeks ago, despite the horrific attacks that took place in Paris and subsequent terrorism-related events,... Read more continue reading

The price of climate change: global warming’s impact on portfolios

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Climate change is gaining traction as a global policy initiative, a key risk factor and an emerging investment theme, according to the BlackRock Investment Institute (BII) Australian strategist, Steve Miller.... Read more continue reading

In an uncertain world, investors must defend the defensive

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As the world grapples with an uncertain growth and global interest rate outlook, active and unconstrained strategies are more important than ever for fixed-income investors, according to Western Asset Management.... Read more continue reading

An options primer – the basics

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Options are derivatives – the price and value is derived from the underlying security, be it a stock, a commodity or even an index. This article explores the basics of... Read more continue reading

The perils for investors of too much information in the app age

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Key points The more we are exposed to information about how our investments are performing, the greater the risk that we will be disappointed and at risk of making poor... Read more continue reading

Megatrends: New power

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When more than 190 nations gather in Paris next month for the UN Climate Change Conference, there is a strong hope that new targets on greenhouse gas emissions can be... Read more continue reading

New data on Australia’s declining birth rate highlight need for offshore markets

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Peter Fay, Director of Research with brokerage firm Invast Australia, says while the decision by China to end its one child policy is welcome news for Blackmores and Bega Cheese... Read more continue reading

Property investor sentiment remains positive: PIPA national survey

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In spite of challenges posed by the tightening of lending by banks, and ongoing fears of a housing bubble, Australian property investors remain reasonably upbeat. According to the Property Investment... Read more continue reading

How big a sign do you need?

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William Priest, CFA – CEO, Co-CIO and Portfolio Manager at Epoch Investment Partners, Inc. (Epoch) provides his insights on why the current market environment may be detrimental for passive investors.... Read more continue reading

Why it isn’t a case of active vs passive

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The investment marketplace in Australia is characterised by preference debates, where adherents of one school of thought battle it out with those of another – think property versus shares, domestic... Read more continue reading