Asset allocation: strategic or tactical?

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Asset allocation has never been more important than in this post-financial crisis period. The focus has shifted from beating benchmarks to the requirement that liabilities are met. Determining a sensible... Read more continue reading

ATO warns of sophisticated structured financial products

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The Australian Tax Office today released a taxpayer alert warning people to be cautious about sophisticated structured financial products that claim to offer franking credits and other tax benefits. “These... Read more continue reading

Half Yearly Life Insurance Bulletin for December 2011

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The Half Yearly Life Insurance Bulletin provides an aggregated summary of the life insurance industry for the financial years ended in a 12-month reference period. It also contains a range... Read more continue reading

Continued growth for Exchange Traded Products

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Economic uncertainty in Europe and China sparked a flight to safety that yielded a record setting month for fixed income ETPs, with the products attracting $11.0 billion in net flows,... Read more continue reading

Asia contributes more to world GDP growth than US and EU do combined

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Despite the low-growth world, Asia remains a bright spot. Underpinned by resilient domestic demand and strong growth in intra-Asia trade, Asian economies are less dependent on OECD countries than in... Read more continue reading

SMSF ‐ Pre 30 June 2012 Update

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For those working with superannuation the following two strategies are worth considering prior to 30 June. In‐Specie Asset Transfers Announced last year under the Stronger Super reform, (although yet to... Read more continue reading

New investment ideas for a changing world

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In a changing global investment landscape, Principal Global Investors (The Principal) highlights the need for flexibility and a fresh approach when it comes to fixed income strategy. Applying new ideas... Read more continue reading

Oliver’s Insights: what to do?

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The investment environment remains tough. On a long term basis shares and other related growth assets look attractive after several years of poor performance. Against this, Europe and the US... Read more continue reading

Groundhog day?

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The Australian market retreated 15% in mid-2010 and 20% in mid-2011, predominantly on European issues. So far the Australian market is down 9% in May. Is this a case of... Read more continue reading

How much can I contribute?

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There are two types of contributions that can be made to superannuation. These are known as Concessional (pre-tax) contributions and Non-Concessional (post-tax) contributions. There are contribution caps that determine the... Read more continue reading