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22 January 2025
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Investors celebrated when the Dow broke through the 20,000 mark last month, but in real terms, it's a more sobering picture. Australian stocks in particular are struggling to reach their previous heights.
Investors are receiving the repetitive message about how low returns are the new normal, yet all asset classes have done well for a record stretch of time. Amid the chatter, the data proves the point.
President-elect Donald Trump divides opinion, and there is no way of knowing whether the rhetoric that won him the top job will translate into action. Here's a quick look at some implications.
Most commentators believe there is a positive correlation between economic growth and share market performance. The data disproves this, at a world and country level and over time.
Since the 1900s, share market returns for US and Australian investors have been similar over the long run, but lately, US shares have outperformed with the current tech boom. How about +66% versus -2% since 2007.
Increases in Australian house prices are slowing but there are many reasons for an underlying support, but some locations for apartments will not do as well. Housing recovery continues in the US.
This examines the performance of key asset classes and sub-sectors in 2024 and over longer timeframes, and the lessons that can be drawn for constructing an investment portfolio for the next decade.
The outlook for equities in 2025 has been dominated by one question: will the US market's supremacy continue? Whichever side of the debate you sit on, you should challenge yourself by considering the alternative.
Negative gearing allows investors to deduct rental property expenses, including interest, from taxable income, but its tax concession status is debatable. The real issue lies in the favorable tax treatment of capital gains.
Trump's election has turbocharged US equities, but can that outperformance continue? Expensive valuations, rising bond yields, and a potential narrowing of EPS growth versus the rest of the world, are risks.
Untangling assets after a broken relationship can be daunting. But approaching the situation fully informed, in good health and with open communication can make the process more manageable and less costly.
Unlike their peers in the US and UK, policy makers in Australia haven't faced a bond market rebellion in recent times. This could change if current levels of issuance at the state and territory level continue.
Retirement village contracts often require significant upfront payments, with residents losing control over their money. While they may offer a '100% share in capital gain', it's important to look at the numbers before committing.