While an exposure to hedge funds can provide a lift to a portfolio’s performance, they also offer the potential to generate high returns… at a risk. What’s a hedge fund and how do they work? Hedge funds typically play an important role in financial markets. In fact, when markets are volatile, hedge fund managers are … Read more

Investing in infrastructure is about investing in the companies that provide essential services to society and earning predictable, reliable returns in the process. More than 350 infrastructure and utility companies are listed on global stock markets, with the sector having a combined market capitalisation in excess of US$4 trillion; about three times the market value … Read more

Investors maintained a healthy risk appetite for much of October, which enabled major share markets to make further progress. Movements in the US set the tone, with the S&P 500 Index rising to fresh all-time highs during the month. Towards month end, however, subdued results from some of the largest technology firms in the US … Read more

As value returns to market favour it’s time to check in on your portfolio – but not all value exposure is created equal. A notable comeback in value stocks over the past six months is an important reminder for investors to reassess their portfolio allocations. Value stocks, which typically trade at a discount to their … Read more

Back in November we saw five reasons to expect a higher $A. These largely remain valid and the $A seems to be perking up again. Source: AMP Firstly, from a long-term perspective the $A remains somewhat cheap. The best guide to this is what is called Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) according to which exchange rates … Read more

Conventional wisdom used to dictate Australians were better paying off their home loans, and then, once debt free turning their attention to building up their super. But with interest rates ramping up over the past two years and uncertainty as to when they are likely to reduce, what’s the right strategy in the current market? … Read more

Let’s explore the ins and outs of salary sacrificing into your super and help you determine if it’s worth considering as part of your financial strategy. We’re all familiar with the concept of super. It’s that portion of our salary that employers are required to contribute to a super fund on our behalf, with the … Read more

Asset allocation is the process of dividing funds between different asset classes including cash, bonds, property and shares. This takes place as spreading resources across different asset classes can help diversify the portfolio’s holdings, which is an important way to manage risk. In theory, asset classes rise and fall at different times. So, when one … Read more

Australian shares fared well in July, buoyed by suggestions that no further interest rate hikes will be necessary. With inflation coming off the boil, there was optimism that borrowing costs have peaked and could be lowered later this year. In turn, this could be beneficial for corporate earnings. Returns from overseas shares were positive too, … Read more

Common human biases that investors should understand when it comes to investing is extremely important. These biases are ingrained in human nature, leading to tendencies to oversimplify, rely on quick thinking or exhibit excessive confidence in judgments, which may lead to investment mistakes. By gaining insight into these biases, investors may be able to make … Read more