Weekly economic and market update

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Investment markets remained jittery over the last week as nervousness continues about the Fed slowing the pace of stimulus, bond yields continued to rise with some fearing a 1994 style... Read more continue reading

Investment records biggest fall in 3½-years

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  New business investment in buildings or equipment fell by 4.7 per cent in the March – the weakest result in 3½-years and below forecasts for a +0.5 increase.  Mining... Read more continue reading

ASIC consults on relief for the ASX Managed Fund Service

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ASIC has released a consultation paper proposing relief for retail clients who apply for an interest in a registered simple managed investment scheme through the proposed ASX Managed Funds Service (AMFS).... Read more continue reading

AFA welcomes increase in superannuation caps

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The Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) welcomes the passing in the House of Representatives today of the Tax and Superannuation Laws Amendment (Increased Concessional Contributions Cap and Other Measures) Bill... Read more continue reading

Lifting of concessional caps to $35K gets thumbs up from SPAA

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The passage of the legislation to increase the concessional contribution cap to $35,000 has been applauded by the SMSF Professionals’ Association of Australia (SPAA). The House of Representatives has passed... Read more continue reading

Platforms a double-edged sword for unlisted property

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Platforms appear to be both the problem and the solution for financial planners looking to diversify client portfolios into alternative asset classes, such as unlisted property syndicates and funds, according... Read more continue reading

SPAA backs level playing field for off market transfers

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The SMSF Professionals’ Association of Australia (SPAA) has welcomed the Government’s decision to abandon the proposed Off Market Related Party Transfer amendments that would have imposed inequitable and costly compliance... Read more continue reading

Drop in SMSF establishments in March quarter ‘no cause for worry’

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The drop in self-managed super fund (SMSF) establishments in the March 2013 quarter is no reason to question the ongoing health of this superannuation sector. SPAA Senior Manager, Technical &... Read more continue reading

Game On: William Blair uses Game Theory to Sharpen Portfolio Performance

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The world is more politically unstable today than it was during the Cold War and investors need to adopt new strategies to navigate it, according to Brian Singer, William Blair’s... Read more continue reading

FPA call for enshrinement is heard loud and clear – an historic day for Australians

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For over a decade, the Financial Planning Association (FPA) has been calling for enshrinement of the term ‘financial planner’ for the protection of consumers and last night, the bill was... Read more continue reading