Aviva Investors sees an uncertain recovery to a ‘new normal’

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(Sydney) Aviva Investors, the global asset management arm of Aviva plc, expects economic activity to continue to revive in the second half of the year, as lockdown measures imposed to... Read more continue reading

Company debts soared to a record A$12.0 trillion by January 2020, even before pandemic struck, and will jump by a further A$1.45 trillion this year

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Key Points Company borrowings around the world surged to a record A$12.0 trillion in 2019, up 8.1% year-on-year, the fastest increase in at least 5 years Companies borrowed to fund takeovers, share... Read more continue reading

ETF Securities launches ‘Ultra’ series for customised Nasdaq 100 exposure   

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The growing appetite for investors to trade their conviction has led to the launch of ETF Securities ‘Ultra’ trading products – ETFS Ultra Short Nasdaq 100 Hedge Fund (ASX code: SNAS) and... Read more continue reading

Factor investing in action, across regions, cycles and asset classes

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In article one of this two-part series Factor investing – an introduction[1], we introduced the concept of factor investing, exploring its origins and academic basis, the nature of commonly used... Read more continue reading

Retirement framework must consider longevity risk protection and better, low-cost advice

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Superannuation funds should include a longevity-based product in their retirement income offerings and provide retirees with greater levels of low-cost financial advice to help improve living standards for older Australians.... Read more continue reading

New study reveals you can predict when interest rates will rise

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Can interest rate moves – and therefore bond returns – be accurately predicted? This question has intrigued finance academics and practitioners for decades, as government bonds represent one of the... Read more continue reading

Local Government Super certified carbon neutral through Climate Active

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Local Government Super (LGS, the fund) has announced it has been certified carbon neutral through Climate Active. It is one of only five Australian super funds to actively hold this... Read more continue reading

2019-20 saw poor returns – but it could have been much worse

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Key points 2019-20 saw a rough ride for investors as coronavirus hit resulting in small losses for well diversified investors. Key lessons for investors from the last financial year were... Read more continue reading

RBA continues to eschew a negative rates policy

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While acknowledging the severe damage to the economy from the COVID-19 crisis and the now elevated potential risks of ‘second wave’ COVID-19 infections, the Governor and RBA Board continue to... Read more continue reading

In a bind? Traps in binder agreements

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Binder agreements are regularly entered into by insurance agents or brokers who are seeking to offer insurance on behalf of the insurer. A party that holds a binder will perform... Read more continue reading