Christmas cheer returns to markets with Asia and Europe in the spotlight

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Traditional Christmas rally in equities has begun with a reversal of the sell-off from two weeks ago, despite the horrific attacks that took place in Paris and subsequent terrorism-related events,... Read more continue reading

MLC launches rate cuts for life and TPD insurance premiums

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MLC Insurance yesterday announced it will cut premiums for two of its key life insurance products by up to 15 per cent, effective yesterday. David Hackett, Executive General Manager, Insurance, said... Read more continue reading

Yuan’s reserve currency status: The door to China swings open

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Inclusion of the Chinese yuan in the IMF’s basket of reserve currencies, expected to be approved at the end of this month, heralds China’s increasing presence in global capital markets.... Read more continue reading

Focus on delayed annuity purchase could be key to successful retirement planning

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A potential solution to one of the Australian superannuation industry’s biggest challenges—helping plan members make the transition to retirement—may lie partly in designing a process to enable members to effect... Read more continue reading

The price of climate change: global warming’s impact on portfolios

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Climate change is gaining traction as a global policy initiative, a key risk factor and an emerging investment theme, according to the BlackRock Investment Institute (BII) Australian strategist, Steve Miller.... Read more continue reading

Elder abuse: Planners need to recognise the warning signs

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Changes in your elderly client’s personality, an indication that the client is becoming increasingly reliant on others, or seeing other people increasingly speaking on behalf of your elderly client and... Read more continue reading

iShares to launch three global fixed income ETFs

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iShares Australia is developing three new exchange traded funds (ETF) focused on global fixed income with plans to launch by the end of the year, according to Jon Howie, head... Read more continue reading

In an uncertain world, investors must defend the defensive

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As the world grapples with an uncertain growth and global interest rate outlook, active and unconstrained strategies are more important than ever for fixed-income investors, according to Western Asset Management.... Read more continue reading

An options primer – the basics

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Options are derivatives – the price and value is derived from the underlying security, be it a stock, a commodity or even an index. This article explores the basics of... Read more continue reading

The perils for investors of too much information in the app age

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Key points The more we are exposed to information about how our investments are performing, the greater the risk that we will be disappointed and at risk of making poor... Read more continue reading