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

Finding the best income-yielding assets

With fixed term deposit rates declining and bank hybrids being phased out, what are the best options for investors seeking income? This goes through the choices, and the opportunities and risks involved.

What history reveals about market corrections and crashes

The S&P 500's recent correction raises concerns about a bear market. History shows corrections are driven by high rates, unemployment, or global shocks, and that there's reason for optimism for nervous investors today. 

Howard Marks: the investing game has changed

The famed investor says the rapid switch from globalisation to trade wars is the biggest upheaval in the investing environment since World War Two. And a new world requires a different investment approach.

Welcome to Firstlinks Edition 605 with weekend update

Trump's tariffs and China's retaliatory strike have sent the Nasdaq into a bear market with the S&P 500 not far behind. What are the implications for the economy and markets, and what should investors do now? 

  • 3 April 2025

Designing a life, with money to spare

Are you living your life by default or by design? It strikes me that many people are doing the former and living according to others’ expectations of them, leading to poor choices including with their finances.

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.

Latest Updates

Investment strategies

An enlightened dividend path

While many chase high yields, true investment power lies in companies that steadily grow dividends. This strategy, rooted in patience and discipline, quietly compounds wealth and anchors investors through market turbulence.

Investment strategies

Don't let Trump derail your wealth creation plans

If you want to build wealth over the long-term, trying to guess the stock market's next move is generally a bad idea. In a month where this might be more tempting than ever, here is what you should focus on instead.

Economics

Pros and cons of Labor's home batteries scheme

Labor has announced a $2.3 billion Cheaper Home Batteries Program, aimed at slashing the cost of home batteries. The goal is to turbocharge battery uptake, though practical difficulties may prevent that happening.

Investment strategies

Will China's EV boom end in tears?

China's EV dominance is reshaping global auto markets - but with soaring tariffs, overcapacity, and rising scrutiny, the industry’s meteoric rise may face a turbulent road ahead. Can China maintain its lead - or will it stall?

Investment strategies

REITs: a haven in a Trumpian world?

Equity markets have been lashed by Trump's tariff policies, yet REITs have outperformed. Not only are they largely unaffected by tariffs, but they offer a unique combination of growth, sound fundamentals, and value.

Shares

Why Europe is back on the global investor map

European equities are surging ahead of the U.S this year, driven by strong earnings, undervaluation, and fiscal stimulus. With quality founder-led firms and a strengthening Euro, Europe may be the next global investment hotspot.

Chalmers' disingenuous budget claims

The Treasurer often touts a $207 billion improvement in Australia's financial position. A deeper look at the numbers reveals something less impressive, caused far more by commodity price surprises than policy.

Fixed interest

Duration: Friend or foe in a defensive allocation?

Duration is back. After years in the doghouse, shifting markets and higher yields are restoring its role as a reliable diversifier and income source - offering defensive strength in today’s uncertain environment.

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.