Super funds regain ground but face tough financial year end

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Super funds have proven resilient to the turmoil that hit markets in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, extending their recovery through May and early June, and are on track... Read more continue reading

‘Clear Conscience Investing’: As easy as E S G … or is it?

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One of the most significant global trends in investing at all levels, from mum and dad investors to the largest institutional organisation such as major super funds and hedge funds... Read more continue reading

ATO concerns with SMSF property development

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The ATO has issued SMSFRB 2020/1 (“SMSFR”) to highlight its main concerns in relation to SMSF property development.  It is comprehensive and traverses structuring, investment rules, NALI and the anti-avoidance... Read more continue reading

Australian companies fall short on ESG according to new Refinitiv report

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Refinitiv has released the findings of Financing a Sustainable Future in Australia, a new report which looks at the environmental performance of Australian companies compared to global peers. The report... Read more continue reading

Podcast 6: Out of step

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Despite the RBA’s recent monetary and fiscal intervention, a recession still seems to be on the cards. Why is the RBA so unwilling to follow along with more unconventional policy... Read more continue reading

Economic freeze sends US oil price sub-zero

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While reviewing the overnight market on the 21st of April 2020, no doubt we were not alone in taking a moment or two to comprehend the number we saw. West... Read more continue reading

Fed to go negative? Any idea can seem ‘crazy’ until it becomes fact

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The market is becoming focused on whether the Federal Reserve (Fed) will take rates negative. Admittedly, Powell has thrown a bit of cold water on it by saying that they... Read more continue reading

Claims Advocacy – from ‘value add’ to core advice offering

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Introduction Compounding the impact of ongoing licensee consolidation and new professional development requirements, the LIF driven reshaping of adviser remuneration for life insurance advice – in the form of lower... Read more continue reading

Podcast 5: Credit crunch or crisis?

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With an expected 10% contraction in GDP, rising unemployment, and inflation at the lowest level we’ve seen in decades, how has COVID-19 impacted credit markets and what’s next for interest... Read more continue reading

Plan B: SMSF pension strategies during the COVID-19 recession

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Investment values have nosedived but an SMSF is still required to pay the minimum pension amount – Townsends Lawyers believe it’s time for Plan B. Retirement is supposed to be... Read more continue reading