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Stephen Miller

Is more trouble coming for the 60/40 portfolio?

The 60/40 portfolio has performed poorly during the recent period of high inflation. With peak inflation likely behind us, here's a stock-take on the year so far and what it might imply for portfolios going forward.

2023: inflation, diversification, agility and an eye to recession

The RBA and interest rate markets are underestimating inflationary pressures. Combined with a government intent on increasing wages, there's a risk of entrenching higher inflation in Australia compared to elsewhere.

US rate rises would challenge multi-asset diversified portfolios

In the wake of persistent inflation, the Fed may jams down hard on the monetary brakes, leading to upward moves in bond yields. There may be a significant correction in equity markets, but what would the RBA do?

A tale of the inflation genie, the Fed and the RBA

The inflation genie is still in the bottle. While wage growth remains low and the US Fed maintains current settings, we should expect the RBA's accommodatory approach to continue.

It's not all about interest rates: give me a 1980s petshop galah!

The refusal of both sides of politics not only to adopt ‘microeconomic reform’ but in some cases reverse reforms, looms as a bigger driver of unemployment than any failure to fine-tune macro or monetary policy.

Post Covid, the risks are skewed to the downside

Despite the unknowns, Australia is vulnerable as a medium-sized open economy dependent on smoothly functioning international trade. It was already under stress before the onset of the crisis.

Latest Updates

90% of housing is unaffordable for average Australians

A new report shows that only 10% of the housing market is genuinely affordable for the median income family, and that drops to 0% for those on low incomes. This may be positive for the apartment market though.

Taxpayers betrayed by Future Fund debacle

The Future Fund's original purpose was to meet the unfunded liabilities of Commonwealth defined benefit schemes. These liabilities have ballooned to an estimated $290 billion and taxpayers continue to be treated like fools.

Property

The net benefit of living in Australia’s cities has fallen dramatically

Rising urban housing costs in Australia are outpacing wage growth, particularly in cities like Sydney and Melbourne. This is leading to an exodus of workers, especially in their 30s, from cities to regions. 

Shares

Fending off short sellers and gaining conviction in a stock

Taking the path less travelled led to a remarkable return from this small-cap. Here is the inside track on how our investment unfolded, and why we don't think the story has finished yet.

Planning

The nuts and bolts of testamentary trusts

Unlike family trusts, testamentary trusts are activated posthumously, empowering you to exert post-death control over your assets. Learn how testamentary trusts offer unique benefits and protective measures.

Investing

The US market outlook is more nuanced than it seems

Investors are getting back to business after a tumultuous election year. Weighing up the fundamentals is complicated, however, by policy crosscurrents that splinter the outlook in several industries.

Investing

Book and podcast recommendations for the summer

Dive into these recommendations for your summer reading and listening. Uncover the genius behind a secretive hedge fund, debunk healthcare myths, and explore the Cuban Missile Crisis in gripping detail.

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