Cash has been one of the best performing defensive assets over the past three years. When compared with global bonds (a riskier asset class), a typical portfolio of term deposits would have returned a cumulative 12.6% in comparison to -8.5% for global bonds over the three years to December 2023. With interest rates expected to … Read more

With the Australian dollar trading below long-term averages and expected to rise as the US dollar peaks, it’s time to think about protecting overseas investments with hedging. The following are the reasons why: Hedging can offset currency movements Rising AUD could crimp returns on overseas assets. The Aussie dollar is below its long-term average against … Read more

Risk is about tolerating the potential for losses. Understanding your risk appetite allows you to make well informed decisions about your money. For some people, risk means excitement and opportunity. For others, it invokes feelings of fear and discomfort. We all experience a degree of risk in our everyday lives – whether it’s simply walking … Read more

Key points Seven key lasting impacts from the Coronavirus pandemic are: “bigger” government; tighter labour markets; reduced globalisation and increased geopolitical tensions; higher inflation; worse housing affordability; working from home; and a faster embrace of technology. On balance these make for a more fragmented and volatile world for investment returns. But it’s not all negative. … Read more

Managed funds may give you access to a broader range of investment types by pooling your money together with other investors. Find out how they work and if they’re for you. If you want to diversify your investment portfolio and spread potential risk within and across different asset classes, sectors and geographic markets, you may … Read more

Many people continue, or even start, working once they’ve reached Age Pension age. This may be for social reasons, personal fulfilment or to maintain their standard of living. With the higher cost of living at the moment, even more pensioners are taking up work. But what does this mean if you’re receiving the Age Pension? … Read more

In the 2016 Federal Budget, the Government introduced the transfer balance cap as part of a broader superannuation reform package. The transfer balance cap imposes a lifetime limit on the amount of superannuation that can be transferred into a tax free retirement pension account. While it may appear straightforward, understanding its nuances is essential for … Read more

It’s a dilemma many of us face – are we better off directing extra money to our mortgage or super? As with most financial decisions, it’s not a one size fits all approach and here are some factors to consider in deciding what’s right for you. Key takeaways: There may be tax advantages when you … Read more

Key points Inflation is in retreat thanks to improved supply and cooling demand. A further fall is likely this year. Australian inflation remains relatively high – but this mainly reflects lags rather than a more inflation prone economy. Profit gouging or wages were not the cause of high inflation. The main risks relate to the … Read more

A rally in the second half of the month helped global share markets generate solid gains in January, extending the rally from November and December. The latest indicators suggest economic conditions are holding up quite well in most regions, which augurs well for corporate earnings. With inflation still above central bank targets, investors pared back … Read more