Register For Our Mailing List

Register to receive our free weekly newsletter including editorials.

Editorial Guidelines for Writers

  •      
  •   

Firstlinks focusses on content with enduring quality to assist investors to understand investment products, construct portfolios and allocate to assets. We prefer articles on long-term themes which will stand the test of time through investment cycles, written for a predominantly Australian audience.

Firstlinks does not report breaking news, executive appointments or short-term macro forecasts which are often little more than noise and guesswork. We are not short-term stock pickers, other than in the context of illustrating particular portfolio ideas, and we do not republish media releases.

Education not promotion

We want fresh ideas, quality journalism, well-researched opinions and accurate arguments. You are welcome to comment on existing articles, or contribute an original piece. You should be an expert in your subject as we do not accept submissions from students or people promoting their own blog or services.

Contributions should not be written in highly-technical language. Articles must be predominantly educational and not promoting or advertising a specific product. However, they may take a view on a type of structure, security or product which may have specific or general application, and examples are acceptable if we do not consider the context overly-promotional.

Articles must be original content not widely-published previously. We accept the content may already have appeared on the author’s own website and distributed to their own clients, but not in other commercial newsletters.

We are not trying to dumb down our content to the lowest common denominator, but articles must be interesting, relevant and understandable for readers who are not market professionals, but are engaged in managing their investments.

What are our requirements?

Articles should be around 1,000 words, with a maximum of about 1,250. Longer pieces will be considered where the type of article demands it. Please write in Microsoft Word, without columns or complex formatting. Contributors should avoid footnotes, little-known acronyms, financial jargon, academic references or articles which are similar to other pieces already published on our website. Generally, contributions should target an Australian reader and be accurate for Australian law and regulations. Download our Style Guide here.

Contributors may hold securities or investments that they mention in their articles but this should be acknowledged at the end of the article.

Firstlinks does not necessarily endorse or agree with the opinions or recommendations that we publish. The writer and their organisation will be listed on every article.

Articles may be edited for length and style.

Contributors warrant that their work is original, other than any acknowledgements in the text, and it does not defame anyone or breach copyright. Please see our Community Rules Policy on acceptable standards to avoid offensive or inappropriate material.

How do we thank you?

Firstlinks is a community of investors sharing ideas, and we offer an outlet for experienced writers to air their opinions. We do not pay for contributions. To encourage a wide readership and to ensure our independence, we do not charge readers a subscription fee nor collect product-related fees.

In addition to having their opinion reach a wide audience of engaged readers, we describe each author at the end of the article and provide a link to a business website.

Copyright remains with the author but Firstlinks has an unlimited right to republish, including selling the content. Any author who does not agree with this should not provide an article. To a limited extent but not systematically, articles may be reproduced elsewhere but Firstlinks must be attributed with first publication with the author and their company identified.

No personal financial advice

Articles may contain general financial product information but Firstlinks is not authorised to provide personal financial advice. Firstlinks accepts no liability for any actions taken by Contributors or readers as a result of material published on our web site or contained in the related newsletter. Readers should be aware that investments mentioned in any articles may not be suitable for them, and may be subject to a variety of market risks. Firstlinks does not know the personal circumstances of its readers. 

Firstlinks is not attempting to influence the sale or purchase of any securities, and all readers should obtain personal independent financial advice.

 

banner

Most viewed in recent weeks

2024/25 super thresholds – key changes and implications

The ATO has released all the superannuation rates and thresholds that will apply from 1 July 2024. Here's what’s changing and what’s not, and some key considerations and opportunities in the lead up to 30 June and beyond.

The greatest investor you’ve never heard of

Jim Simons has achieved breathtaking returns of 62% p.a. over 33 years, a track record like no other, yet he remains little known to the public. Here’s how he’s done it, and the lessons that can be applied to our own investing.

Five months on from cancer diagnosis

Life has radically shifted with my brain cancer, and I don’t know if it will ever be the same again. After decades of writing and a dozen years with Firstlinks, I still want to contribute, but exactly how and when I do that is unclear.

Is Australia ready for its population growth over the next decade?

Australia will have 3.7 million more people in a decade's time, though the growth won't be evenly distributed. Over 85s will see the fastest growth, while the number of younger people will barely rise. 

Welcome to Firstlinks Edition 552 with weekend update

Being rich is having a high-paying job and accumulating fancy houses and cars, while being wealthy is owning assets that provide passive income, as well as freedom and flexibility. Knowing the difference can reframe your life.

  • 21 March 2024

Why LICs may be close to bottoming

Investor disgust, consolidation, de-listings, price discounts, activist investors entering - it’s what typically happens at business cycle troughs, and it’s happening to LICs now. That may present a potential opportunity.

Latest Updates

Shares

20 US stocks to buy and hold forever

Recently, I compiled a list of ASX stocks that you could buy and hold forever. Here’s a follow-up list of US stocks that you could own indefinitely, including well-known names like Microsoft, as well as lesser-known gems.

The public servants demanding $3m super tax exemption

The $3 million super tax will capture retired, and soon to retire, public servants and politicians who are members of defined benefit superannuation schemes. Lobbying efforts for exemptions to the tax are intensifying.

Property

Baby Boomer housing needs

Baby boomers will account for a third of population growth between 2024 and 2029, making this generation the biggest age-related growth sector over this period. They will shape the housing market with their unique preferences.

SMSF strategies

Meg on SMSFs: When the first member of a couple dies

The surviving spouse has a lot to think about when a member of an SMSF dies. While it pays to understand the options quickly, often they’re best served by moving a little more slowly before making final decisions.

Shares

Small caps are compelling but not for the reasons you might think...

Your author prematurely advocated investing in small caps almost 12 months ago. Since then, the investment landscape has changed, and there are even more reasons to believe small caps are likely to outperform going forward.

Taxation

The mixed fortunes of tax reform in Australia, part 2

Since Federation, reforms to our tax system have proven difficult. Yet they're too important to leave in the too-hard basket, and here's a look at the key ingredients that make a tax reform exercise work, or not.

Investment strategies

8 ways that AI will impact how we invest

AI is affecting ever expanding fields of human activity, and the way we invest is no exception. Here's how investors, advisors and investment managers can better prepare to manage the opportunities and risks that come with AI.

Sponsors

Alliances

© 2024 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.