Litigation involving estate planning and superannuation is ramping up, with major impacts on self-managed super funds, and in particular trustee obligations. Cooper Grace Ward partner Hayley Mitchell discusses key case law SMSF trustees should be sure to know about.
Credit and equity markets both suffered a very bad 2022, as the collapse of negative correlation between stock and bond prices left no safe haven for investors. But 2023 could be a big year for bonds, and experts say investors waiting on the sidelines risk missing out.
After a dip in October, the inflation rate is back to a 30-year high, according to ABS statistics for November that put into doubt hopes the Reserve Bank of Australia will pause rate hikes soon.
A review of the top stories from the past year reflects investors’ continuing anxiety over the direction of markets as central banks continue their battle against inflation and geopolitical turmoil remains a constant. Many of the same issues appear likely to shape the next 12 months as well.
A new International Energy Agency report projects global renewable energy growth in the next five years will match that of the last 20, with renewables also set to overtake coal as the largest electricity source by 2025. Australian investors won’t have to look far to find stocks poised to benefit from this momentum shift.
The corporate regulator reports it has issued 21 stop orders against companies over marketing of financial products since new design and distribution obligations went into effect last October, with the rate of enforcement picking up in recent months.
The RBA is keeping an open mind about a potential central bank digital currency in Australia, including running a pilot eAUD program next year. But many of the arguments in favour of a CBDC fall flat in the Australian context, says Assistant Governor Brad Jones.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission is making good on promises to combat greenwashing, issuing its second set of fines against a company for misrepresenting the ESG bona fides of an investment product.
Recent research reveals high-net-worth investors have reduced slightly in number since last year while accumulating slightly more investable assets, with this cohort taking a “more subdued outlook” for the coming year. Investors’ asset class preference is also evolving to favour defensive investments.
The need to balance three key and “sometimes-competing” goals in the energy transition is central to the success of global efforts to decarbonise, but the challenge also presents ample room for opportunity, Paul Johnston of Ausbil Asset Management recently told participants at The Inside Network’s industry-first ESG Retreat in Tasmania.
