Food presents significant investment opportunity but needs to be done responsibly

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The ability to influence the long-term sustainability of food supply chains and support the health of the planet, has driven First State Super’s interest the food and agricultural sector, according... Read more continue reading

SMSF Property development – issues to consider

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Can an SMSF be used to develop a property? Yes, but there are some superannuation compliance issues that arise when considering whether to develop a property in your SMSF. John... Read more continue reading

Under-insured Aussies turn to crowdfunding in hard times

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The failure of people to take out adequate life, income protection and TPD insurance is driving a boom in online crowdfunding websites according to new research from Integrity Life (Integrity).   Integrity’s... Read more continue reading

Neo-chartalists or neocharlatans? A dive into Modern Monetary Theory

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A small revolution is brewing in the world of macroeconomics. It’s an idea that counts a Democratic socialist presidential candidate and a hedge fund manager among its adherents. The economics... Read more continue reading

The role of the Centrelink PLS in addressing Australia’s retirement funding challenge

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Australia’s retirement income policy has been traditionally framed as having three pillars: superannuation, non-superannuation savings and the Age Pension. However, for many Australian baby boomers these three pillars provide inadequate... Read more continue reading

Rising SMSF establishment balances ‘strong evidence’ advice improving

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There has been a sharp increase in the average and medium establishment balances for self-managed super funds (SMSFs) – clear evidence that the quality of advice to the SMSF sector... Read more continue reading

The hidden cost of retirement

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Recent discussion in the media has suggested that the dollar amount needed for a comfortable retirement has been overstated. While it is true that many of us can get by... Read more continue reading

ASIC proposes to ban unsolicited telephone sales of life insurance and consumer credit insurance

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ASIC is inviting feedback on its proposal to ban unsolicited telephone sales of direct life insurance and consumer credit insurance (CCI). Such a ban would prevent the sale of complex... Read more continue reading

Where profits come from, and the vulnerabilities in Australian corporate earnings

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Key points Equity investors rejoiced in June as the Fed signaled it may cut interest rates – but interest rates do not drive long run equity performance. Profits do. While... Read more continue reading

SMSF establishment at a 10 year low while unmet advice needs continue to grow

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The annual rate of Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) establishment has slowed, with just over 20,000 SMSFs being set up in the first quarter of 2019, down from the 40,000 established... Read more continue reading