Model portfolios are a predetermined combination of funds designed to meet the needs of a broad group of investors. Some providers define models in terms of risk/return metrics, however objective- driven models are distinctive because they take a goals-based approach. This means there is a direct link... Show More
We have seen the second sizeable sell-off this year. The SP500 has dropped -7.80% in October (so far), not quite matching the fall of -11.8% in Jan-Feb 2018. The volatility can be an opportunity, and we view it as such. With this in mind, it is worth discussing the technical... Show More
Whilst global markets have maintained positive momentum into 2017, valuations look stretched. Markets are going to run into the US reporting season given the US leadership change and the recent rally pricing due to the optimistic outlook. However, US fiscal policy uncertainty, historically low volatility, rising USD, rising yields and... Show More
Global markets are flip flopping with the US market hitting all time highs. US fiscal policy uncertainty, historically low volatility, a rising USD, rising yields and stretched valuations are raising doubts on the recent exuberance in the equity market. Strong commodities along with a robust USD and rising yields suggests... Show More
Global markets have recovered on the back of central bank stimulus, while global growth worries remain. US Fed expectations of a rate hike are rising, while history shows they are only going to make one move in 2016 and that is expected to be in December. Model portfolio and changes... Show More
The traditional argument for index investing –such as through exchange traded funds– is based on the view that most active managers fail to beat their respective investment benchmarks more often than not. But while this may be true to some extent, it’s clear that some active managers maintain good track... Show More
Strategy outlook: We maintain a bullish long term view on the Australian equity market while short term volatility is expected through the US interest rate cycle and China growth slowdown. We remain positive on the yield and currency trade, while domestic economic deterioration will expose Australia to global volatility even... Show More
Strategy outlook: We maintain a bullish long term view on the Australian equity market to reach 6500 in 2016. Global macro uncertainties, falling growth outlook and the RBA remaining in easing bias has made equities the preferred risk/return option for investors wanting better than bond yield return in an environment... Show More
Volatility is one of the key issues my retail clients have with the current market. Retail clients simply no longer have the appetite for large swings in the market, irrespective of larger returns. The attitude of investors has fundamentally shifted to preservation of capital. In finding a solution to my... Show More
This week’s PortfolioDirect investment report highlights the continuing fall in resource sector equity price volatility. Prices have remained trapped within narrow trading bands. Larger changes in market prices elsewhere have left the sector relatively unscathed. Meanwhile, cyclical progress remains highly constrained. International policy makers continue to feed liquidity into financial... Show More