CPD: Debunking lifetime annuities – why advisers have historically stayed clear – and why that’s changing

From

For many financial advisers, lifetime annuities have long sat in the “too hard” basket. They’re often thought of as outdated products: with rigid structures, poor value for money and require... Read more continue reading

Is an increase in oil prices inflationary or disinflationary?

From

The sharp increase in the price of oil in the wake of the Iran conflict has ushered in a plethora of central bank warnings around the inflationary consequences of such... Read more continue reading

Macroscope: Is the Iran crisis an early 2020 moment for markets?

From

War in the Middle East and the disruption of energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz has potentially introduced a stagflationary shock at a time when markets were positioned for... Read more continue reading

Online wills key to driving greater engagement in super and retirement

From

Estate planning services will be a key gateway for driving greater engagement from super fund members in their savings and retirement, says Aware Super, as it expands its online wills... Read more continue reading

Vanguard launches new global technology and international high yield ETFs and managed fund

From

Vanguard has expanded its Australian investment range offering four new investment options in global technology and international high yield, with three new ETFs and one unlisted managed fund. The new... Read more continue reading

Rate rises show importance of SMSF borrowing structures

From

The rising interest rate environment has highlighted the importance of having borrowing structures in an SMSF that can be comfortably supported over time, not lending that has been stretched to... Read more continue reading

Franklin Templeton stays moderately positive for 2026, US GDP growth expected at 2.5%

From

In a recent economic update, Chris Galipeau, Senior Market Strategist at the Franklin Templeton Institute says that the outlook for 2026 is moderately positive, with GDP growth in the US... Read more continue reading

Super funds still in positive territory for FY26 despite market jitters

From

Super funds delivered a positive return in February, with the median growth fund (61–80% growth assets) gaining 1.1% for the month. However, markets have since come under pressure. Escalation of... Read more continue reading

A passive market reshaping liquidity, volatility and returns

From

Australia’s equity market is becoming harder to trade in size, even when headline liquidity metrics look benign. Rising passive ownership and a shrinking actively traded free float are weakening price... Read more continue reading

It’s not just Iran

From

The war in Iran continues to be the most visible factor driving global equity market returns. For example, the MSCI equity index for oil exporter Norway has gained over 6%... Read more continue reading