Interest rates around the world, including Australia, have been falling recently. Where conventional wisdom one year ago was for rising rates, now expectations have factored in domestic rate cuts and falling yields over the next 3 years. Aussie 10-year government bonds are at all-time lows standing at 1.75%. This change... Show More
The Federal Labor Party has stated it would change the dividend imputation system if returned to power this year. This is expected to see a spike in the number of off-market share buy-backs. The big question for investors is: should you participate? Show More
After promising to enact the Royal Commission's recommendations to the letter before the report was even released, and then saying it accepted all the recommendations "in principle" after the report was published (whatever that means), Labor have now rejected outright one of the Royal Commission's most important findings: that mortgage... Show More
Today I question whether ScoMo and APRA "boned" NAB's Henry and Thorburn - it was somewhat coincidental timing given ScoMo had called for their heads 24hrs earlier - and reveal that Labor will be giving the banks an incredible $2.6 billion annual profitability gift by forcing consumers, rather than banks,... Show More
In my first column for the year, I reflect on the debate I kicked off regarding the absence of any publicly managed super solution and the role the Future Fund could play in this context. After dealing with criticisms from vested interests, I query whether Chris Bowen has unwittingly wedged... Show More
With a potential change in Federal government on the horizon, in this thematic discussion, we sat down with Matt Williams from Airlie Funds Management and Rhett Kessler from Pengana Capital to ask what it means for investors. Will new leadership bring big changes, or will it ultimately be ‘more bark... Show More
This week I interview Tim Lawless, the head of research at Australia's largest real estate data company, CoreLogic, who says fears of a future Labor government eliminating negative gearing and doubling capital gains tax on housing (and equities) are one reason why house prices are falling as investors run for... Show More
SMSF expert, Tony Negline gives his unique view of the proposed Labor Party changes to claiming franking credits. He provides suggestions on structuring your SMSF and how to utilise your franking credits. Show More
Labor's Batman by-election win in Victoria makes its proposed changes to franking rules more promising. It's a good time to reassess your investment decisions and potential loss of income, especially if you are invested in hybrids. These securities are expected to be less attractive and prices to be more volatile Show More
Labor leader Bill Shorten is certainly bold when it comes to assaulting the financial heartlands of Australian housing, equities and super. Show More
This is an interesting/alternative gauge on the health of the job markets that also caught the eye of Janet Yellen. The Quit Rate i.e. number of people who are quitting their jobs has dramatically increased. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics in November 2013 2.4 million people quit... Show More