Register For Our Mailing List

Register to receive our free weekly newsletter including editorials.

Home / 297

Cuffelinks Edition 297

  •   15 March 2019
  •      
  •   

What is it about financial advice that many people devalue it compared with other forms of professional advice? I recently went to a dermatologist for a check on some sun spots. When he heard about this newsletter, we spent 20 minutes on his portfolio and investing. Then 15 minutes on my sun spots. I thought we were about even but I paid him $250 for the honour of his time.

Imagine the reverse where a dermatologist goes to see a financial adviser. Is there any chance they would spend more time examining the adviser's sun spots than the doctor's financial plan? No, the doctor would make an appointment in his surgery and bill accordingly. I've experienced similar discussions with lawyers and architects. 

I wonder what the Royal Commission's Kenneth Hayne does for financial advice, because he does not value it highly enough. For example, he says on page 119 of the Final Report:

"I do not believe that the practice of giving financial advice is yet a profession ... For some time now, a financial adviser has been something between a salesperson and a professional adviser. The industry has moved from scandal to scandal, causing financial harm to clients, and damaging public confidence in financial advice."

As I read through a hard copy of the Final Report, another highlight hit me. Kenneth Hayne's interpretation of the 'sole purpose test' limits the ability of an adviser to charge fees through a super fund, which is a common way of covering the cost of financial advice. This may redefine where some financial advice is heading and less people will receive advice. Are advisers too shell shocked to argue about this?

The sole purpose test requires that super can only be used to provide benefits for a member's retirement. Sounds simple, but how do funds justify giving members frequent flyer points? Adrian Urquhart wants a consistent approachbut regulators seem surprisingly unconcerned.

We like a good debate, and this week we check 'marketplace lending', sometimes called 'peer-to-peer' lending. It's a rapidly growing part of the market as investors look for alternatives to bonds and term deposits. John O'Brien advises investors to watch for the early stages of such innovations, while Daniel Foggo explains the protective mechanisms in the structures.

Aidan Geysen worries that the focus on dividends, especially in the franking credit debate, is overwhelming the need to think about total returns, while Brendan Ryan explains the new Pension Loans Scheme now it is open to far more people than welfare pensioners.

The franking credit debate remains as lively as ever, and Cuffelinks is clarifying as many issues as possible. John Kalkman describes the social pact that led to today's structure.

This week's White Paper from NAB/nabtrade is their hybrid pricing report. Given the value of hybrids in the portfolios of many of our readers, it's worth checking this report regularly for spreads, opportunities and price movements. The hybrid market often offers pricing anomolies.

Graham Hand, Managing Editor

 

For a PDF version of this week’s newsletter articles, click here.

 


 


 

Leave a Comment:

banner

Most viewed in recent weeks

16 ASX stocks to buy and hold forever, updated

This time last year, I highlighted 16 ASX stocks that investors could own indefinitely. One year on, I look at whether there should be any changes to the list of stocks as well as which companies are worth buying now. 

2025-26 super thresholds – key changes and implications

The ABS recently released figures which are used to determine key superannuation rates and thresholds that will apply from 1 July 2025. This outlines the rates and thresholds that are changing and those that aren’t.  

Is Gen X ready for retirement?

With the arrival of the new year, the first members of ‘Generation X’ turned 60, marking the start of the MTV generation’s collective journey towards retirement. Are Gen Xers and our retirement system ready for the transition?

Why the $5.4 trillion wealth transfer is a generational tragedy

The intergenerational wealth transfer, largely driven by a housing boom, exacerbates economic inequality, stifles productivity, and impedes social mobility. Solutions lie in addressing the housing problem, not taxing wealth.

What Warren Buffett isn’t saying speaks volumes

Warren Buffett's annual shareholder letter has been fixture for avid investors for decades. In his latest letter, Buffett is reticent on many key topics, but his actions rather than words are sending clear signals to investors.

The 2025 Australian Federal election – implications for investors

With an election due by 17 May, we are effectively in campaign mode with the Government announcing numerous spending promises since January and the Coalition often matching them. Here's what the election means for investors.

Latest Updates

World's largest asset manager wants to revolutionise your portfolio

Larry Fink is one of the smartest people in the finance industry. In his latest shareholder letter, the Blackrock CEO outlines his quest to become the biggest player in private assets and upend investor portfolios.

Economy

Australia's economic report card heading into the polls

Our economy grew by a nominal rate of 7% per annum from 2017 to 2024, but it benefited from the largesse of fiscal and monetary policies, both of which are now fading. We need a new, credible economic growth agenda.

Preference votes matter

If the recent polls are anything to go by, we are headed for a hung parliament at the upcoming federal election. So more than ever, Australians need to give serious consideration to their preference votes.

SMSF strategies

Meg on SMSFs: Tips for the last member standing

It’s common for people as they age to seek more help in running their SMSF if their capacity declines. An alternate director may be a great solution for someone just planning for short-term help in the meantime.

Wilson Asset Management on markets and its new income fund

In this interview, Matthew Haupt from Wilson Asset Management discusses his outloook for the ASX, sectors such as REITs that he likes, and his firm's launch of a new income-oriented listed investment company.  

Planning

‘Life expectancy’ – and why I don’t like the expression

Life expectancy isn't just a number - it's a concept that changes with survival rates over time. This article breaks down how age, survival, and societal factors shape our understanding of life expectancy, especially post-Covid. 

The shine is back on gold, and gold miners

Gold mining stocks outperformed in 2024 and are expected to do well in 2025. At this point in the rally, it's worth considering what has driven gold prices higher and why miners could still have some catching up to do.

Sponsors

Alliances

© 2025 Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer
The data, research and opinions provided here are for information purposes; are not an offer to buy or sell a security; and are not warranted to be correct, complete or accurate. Morningstar, its affiliates, and third-party content providers are not responsible for any investment decisions, damages or losses resulting from, or related to, the data and analyses or their use. To the extent any content is general advice, it has been prepared for clients of Morningstar Australasia Pty Ltd (ABN: 95 090 665 544, AFSL: 240892), without reference to your financial objectives, situation or needs. For more information refer to our Financial Services Guide. You should consider the advice in light of these matters and if applicable, the relevant Product Disclosure Statement before making any decision to invest. Past performance does not necessarily indicate a financial product’s future performance. To obtain advice tailored to your situation, contact a professional financial adviser. Articles are current as at date of publication.
This website contains information and opinions provided by third parties. Inclusion of this information does not necessarily represent Morningstar’s positions, strategies or opinions and should not be considered an endorsement by Morningstar.