Opinion

Berkshire Hathaway recently added 20.4 million shares of Apple, which now makes up about half its equity holdings. More recent moves suggest Warren Buffett may now be returning to his historical focus on value, via old-school energy investments.

The property market has defied rate hikes and inflation to post higher valuations in most capitals, but that’s not likely to last, according to SQM Research’s Louis Christopher, who predicts a second-half fall. It won’t distinguish between houses and units, and it will be worst where prices have risen most.

The global transition away from fossil fuels will require a massive reallocation of capital, and with the technology driving it now more cost-effective than ever, companies and investors that seize climate-related opportunities will be best placed to reap the benefits, according to recent MSCI research.

Investors and advisers have a tendency to extrapolate recent events into the future, and the last six months have shown how dangerous this can be. For those reviewing and building portfolios as the new financial year begins, five key issues should be front of mind.

With new data showing offshore share investments comprise just 2 percent of total self-managed superannuation fund assets in Australia, advisers are warning SMSFs against overreliance on domestic shares and cash and urging diversification.

The non-bank sector is comparatively small but is growing in scale and impact. For many borrowers, it’s becoming a better option than the traditional banks, writes Thinktank general manager Peter Vala.

While interest rate hikes can be painful, they are crucial tools in the fight against inflation, Integral Private Wealth’s David Simon writes. Anyone in doubt should consider the Zimbabwean hyperinflation crisis of the late 2000s and the perils of short-term fixes.

Five per cent on a one-year term deposit will tempt a lot of investors, and with good reason, but equities have proven their worth over the long term. As ever, experts say, personal needs should guide investment selection.

The RBA’s sharp policy shift towards higher rates has put significant wind in the tail of “boring, old” bonds. But do Australians understand the role they play in the fixed income spectrum, and what they can do for portfolios?

There is a case to be made that RAIZ (ASX:RZI) presents a significant market opportunity, if you have faith in the platform’s ability to diversify its revenue streams and consolidate its significant fan-base.

It is striking how little little yield premium equities are offering over the official interest rate at them moment, says Ruffer’s Steve Russell. Investors may be tempted, but he warns that a cautious road may suit for the period ahead.

With ETF providers offering a slew of products aimed at shipping exposures, the ‘esoteric legend’ of the Baltic Dry Index still has a place in the hearts and minds of investors.