How the new “objective of superannuation” legislation will change funds

From

The superannuation system is now set to have a clear legislative purpose– and it is one which raises a raft of new questions. Almost 25 years after the government introduced... Read more continue reading

Trump uncertainty could be “huge” for gold

From

Our positive view on the long-term prospects for gold remain unchanged. The U.S. elections are over, and markets will likely take time to reflect the full impact of a Trump... Read more continue reading

With 10 years to retirement can helping your children be detrimental to your own retirement?

From

A lot of my clients are telling me “I want to help my children buy a home.” This is understandable given the average house price as a ratio to average... Read more continue reading

What is the pension transfer balance cap and how does it operate?  

From

In late September, the government released the second tranche of proposed superannuation changes, which covers the pension transfer balance cap, concessional contribution changes, catch up concessional contributions and the removal... Read more continue reading

Property still hot for investors with growing number of Australians owning investment homes

From

According to ING DIRECT’s latest Financial Wellbeing Index, property still holds strong appeal for investors with one in every five (20%) Australians saying they own an investment property. Despite tightened... Read more continue reading

International equity investing slows in lead up to US election  

From

During the past month Australian investors are preferring to invest in Australian equity ETPs and defensive asset classes such as cash, fixed income and gold over international equity ETPs. Total... Read more continue reading

Zurich and Oxford University uncover the Australian ‘IP Gap’

From

Us Aussies are an optimistic bunch, however there’s a big difference between having a relaxed outlook and leaving the important things to chance. Unfortunately this overconfident, ‘bulletproof’ Australian mentality –... Read more continue reading

Passive RBA and US uncertainty increases risk for retirees

From

With the prospect of a Donald Trump win in the US elections, and a passive Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) continuing to hold interest rates at an all time low,... Read more continue reading

Australian employees more concerned about mental health than employers think

From

A workplace study by leading life insurer MetLife has found significant differences in the priorities of Australian employees and employers when it comes to workplace health and wellness. MetLife’s Employee... Read more continue reading

SMSF trustees turn to hybrids as an alternative source of income

From

With interest rates at an all-time low, SMSF trustees  looking for income returns have increased investment in hybrid securities, according to the latest SuperConcepts SMSF Investment Patterns Survey. In the... Read more continue reading