At the close of another tumultuous year for markets, our most-read stories show readers were interested in the effects of higher interest rates, as capital protection and income security gained importance amid cost-of-living concerns.
The last few years have been challenging for markets, but they’ve also reset the playing field for fixed interest. For those seeking income and capital protection in the event of an equities downturn, particularly retirees, it’s time to revisit credit, says Bentham Asset Management’s Richard Quin.
The financial services giant’s top economists look at the risks that dominated markets this year and how they’re likely to evolve in 2024, warning that the new year could be a “rougher and more constrained ride” compared with 2023.
It’s the first time in nine editions of the UBS Billionaire Ambitions Report that the ultra-rich inherited more money than they earned through entrepreneurship, suggesting the $68 trillion intergenerational wealth transfer is already well under way.
Focussing on the quality of a company and how it’s likely to perform is a key part of a high-conviction strategy, says fund manager Claremont Global. It’s also a useful strategy for investors who want access to the AI-fuelled tech phenomenon in the US without getting caught up in the noise.
Tensions in Australia’s relationship with China, along with our neighbour’s weak growth other headwinds, have Australians shying off investing in the world’s second largest economy. But given the countries’ deep connections, ignoring China is easier said than done.
For anyone seeking professional growth, exposure to new skillsets and the chance to help an organisation make its mark, serving on a board is an ideal learning experience, Loane Avenell writes in a look back at her “remarkable” first year with the Australian Investors Association.
As investors seek greater portfolio exposure and diversification at lower cost, two increasingly popular options – thematic ETFs and managed-account solutions – show how wealth management practices are adapting to clients’ evolving needs.
The Swiss bank’s $3.5 billion issue of contingent convertible bank capital drew 10 times as many investors as it needed, showing the market has already forgotten how holders of these bonds fared in the case of the collapsed Credit Suisse.
The “financial independence, retire early” approach, which trades spartan frugality now for an early retirement later, can work in the right conditions, but its benefits may be eclipsed by the sacrifice required along the way, writes Alteris Financial Group’s Jaxon King.
Ashton Reid from Martin Currie goes in-depth with James Dunn from The Inside Network on income-focused returns from the upside of urban population growth.
Anthony Kirkham from Western Asset Management goes in-depth with James Dunn from The Inside Network on bonds are back.
Lauren Ryan from Thinktank shares insights with Peter White from The Inside Network on why brokers would partner with Thinktank.
Lauren Ryan from Thinktank shares insights with Peter White from The Inside Network on whether investors have ever lost money in Thinktank.
The 35th iteration of the awards saw Franklin Templeton Australia beat out fellow finalists BlackRock, Lazard, VanEck and Macquarie Asset Management to take out the Fund Manager of the Year award.
The Australian Shareholders’ Association recently held its second annual ASA Awards in recognition of best corporate governance, honouring Woolworths Group for its shareholder communications and Northern Star Resources for improved governance standards.
LRBAs allow self-managed super funds to borrow money for property acquisition while protecting other assets. According to SMSF specialist Heffron, these investments offer growth opportunities, but following the rules is crucial.
While recent studies estimate the total savings needed for retirement at about $1 million, specialists caution against a one-size-fits-all approach, and many Australians could be “comfortable” on less.