Risk-averse global investors turning to AREITs

From

The first quarter of 2017 saw Australian real estate investment trusts (AREITs) underperform general equities in a trend continuing from the second half of 2016, according to Principal Global Real... Read more continue reading

The gift of education – and the hidden costs of funding it

From

Benjamin Franklin said that “an investment in knowledge pays the best interest”; however, given prevailing interest rates and the spiralling costs of education, saving enough to fund the educational needs... Read more continue reading

Beware the ‘reflation trade’ in financial markets – if it looks certain, it probably isn’t

From

Reflation trade Since the election of President Trump, financial markets have begun to price in significant tax cuts and infrastructure spending for the US economy. In addition, there is the... Read more continue reading

Do I boost my super or reduce my home loan?

From

Does it make sense to make additional concessional contributions to superannuation if you still have non-deductible debt such as a home loan? The maths is simple for an average couple... Read more continue reading

Key issues in estate planning using trusts

From

A look at two important family trust issues that advisers may come across in establishing or managing the workings of a client’s estate planning using trusts. Issue #1: Who should... Read more continue reading

How the scientist invested and won

From

Three years ago, we posed the question, How would a scientist construct a portfolio?. The results are in and the investment performance is as the scientist predicted. In 2013 the... Read more continue reading

Japanese investors key to global real assets funding

From

Investors from Japan are primed to play a key funding role for global infrastructure and real estate, according to analysis from AMP Capital. With assets under management approaching ¥500 trillion... Read more continue reading

Margin lending – the basics

From

Margin lending is a form of gearing whereby investors borrow money to invest in shares, exchange traded products (ETPs) and managed funds. There are good reasons to use margin loans,... Read more continue reading

Proposed changes to default super to deliver enhanced choice and better financial outcomes

From

The Productivity Commission (PC) has recommended changes to the $474 billion default super market that would encourage greater customer choice and engagement.  If enacted, the changes will result in employees... Read more continue reading

Debunking conventional wisdom

From

Grant Samuel Funds Management recently hosted Scott Weiner, managing principal and portfolio manager with fixed income specialists Payden & Rygel. Scott presented to a number of financial advisers around the... Read more continue reading