What’s the most important aspect of equities to analyse?

Think of Apple’s success and you credit the genius of Steve Jobs. Microsoft’s founder was the just-as-talented Bill Gates. News Corporation wouldn’t be what it is today without Rupert Murdoch. It is this people factor that represents a key difference between investing in equities compared with other asset classes. With other investments, whether you invest

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22 Mar 2011

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Investment Briefing March 2011: Japan

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When catastrophe strikes somewhere in the world and many lives are lost, and the human suffering is unbearable for all involved, questions about the economic cost of the disaster and the impacts on financial markets inevitably arise, and they require an answer. There is always the danger that commenting on the economic and market impacts

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17 Mar 2011

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Slow motion market recovery ahead, says Russell chief investment strategist

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Warns investors on over-optimism Predicting high single to low double digit global returns Russell Investments is expecting a slow motion market recovery, according to its March 2011 market commentary. Andrew Pease, chief investment strategist, tells investors to be optimistic but not too optimistic: Russell is moderately bullish on global equities, expecting returns to be in

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11 Mar 2011

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Income investors turn to global equities

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Forecast double-digit earnings to drive dividend growth Income-seeking investors will increasingly turn to global equities in 2011, with leading international asset manager Threadneedle forecasting that key international markets will experience double-digit aggregate earnings growth and increasing dividends in 2011. “For the last two decades investors have traditionally turned to bond markets for income and to

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02 Mar 2011

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Defensive strategies drive allocations for Implemented Portfolios

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Implemented Portfolios’ Asset Allocation and Investment Committee (AAIC) has affirmed defensive positioning strategies for its five model portfolios as developed markets continue to show subdued growth outlooks in the committee’s 10 year growth forecast. In its first quarter update to investors, the AAIC has decided to maintain a neutral stance on Australian equities, hold an

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28 Feb 2011

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PIMCO’s bond funds outperform equities; head winds highlight the importance of active management

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Fixed interest has outperformed equities over the past few years Headwinds are on the horizon for global bond markets Fixed interest is a must as a diversifier and to smooth volatility PIMCO’s actively managed bond funds continue to outperform both local and global equities though market conditions are set to become challenging for fixed interest

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17 Feb 2011

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Insync FM Sees a Better Way into Emerging Markets Through Power Brands such as Nestlé

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International equity fund manager, Insync Funds Management, believes that the best way to access the investment returns in expensive emerging market companies is to follow the consumer power brands into these emerging markets. Investors like the Nestlé Story – reaching consumers in the emerging markets and developed economies are targeting over 40% of their sales

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14 Feb 2011

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Investor and SMSF interest in Direct Property continues to strengthen with forecast upswing in property cycle.

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Growth expected for retail property sector with retail rents increasing and retail sales likely to grow with improved labour market Charter Hall launches new retail property fund with 8.0 cpu initial yield Demand from investors for unlisted property is expected to increase in 2011 as the property sector is likely to provide higher than historical

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08 Feb 2011

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Share prices, consumer spending and the GFC

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In this issue we look at share markets in Australia and around the world – how they have fared in the GFC and what may lie ahead as the debt problem is tackled, instead of just being shifted sideways, in the coming year or so. It all hinges on the outlook for consumer spending, and

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02 Feb 2011

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Zenith 2011 Small Cap Australian Equities Review Rates 12 Funds ‘Recommended’

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Zenith Investment Partners Pty Ltd (Zenith) Investment Analyst Angela Burmeister has announced the completion of the Small Cap Australian Equities Review, and confirmed from a base of 44 funds, 3 were rated HIGHLY RECOMMENDED and 9 RECOMMENDED. Two new funds were added to Zenith’s Recommended List, and one fund was upgraded to Highly Recommended. Also,

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31 Jan 2011

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