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Warren Bird

Beyond the hype, a beginner’s guide to QE

We read about Quantitative Easing and tapering every day, but what are they and do they work? Should we worry about them? One thing is for sure - both subjects will be with us for many years to come.

An insider's view of the last financial crisis

It's easy to forget how severe the GFC was in destroying confidence and locking up markets. There was a genuine fear that the world was such a toxic place that no credit could be trusted.

Managing credit risk requires healthy dose of cynicism

In the world of credit risk, you need to understand the capacity of the borrower to pay what they’ve promised, then assume that they will let you down anyway and avoid concentrating your portfolio.

Give this risk the credit it deserves

The risk that bond investors should be most concerned about is credit risk. Market risk does not produce a permanent loss of capital, and higher yields result in increasing returns over time.

A fixed interest guy’s take on share market volatility

Simple maths helps explain why the share market is so volatile. It’s not that it’s an irrational, casino-like beast that bucks and dives for no good reason. It’s a long duration market reacting to changes.

Term deposit investors did not understand the risk

Investors in term deposits have taken major risks without realising it. As interest rates have fallen, people who expected term deposits to give them a reliable income stream are facing a challenging time.

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The challenges with building a dividend portfolio

Getting regular, growing income from stocks is tougher with the dividend yield on the ASX nearing 25-year lows. Here are some conventional and not-so-conventional ideas for investors wanting to build a dividend portfolio.

Retirement

How much do you need to retire?

Australians are used to hearing dire warnings that they don't have enough saved for a comfortable retirement. Yet most people need to save a lot less than you might think — as long as they meet an important condition.

Economics

Why a deflationary shock is near

Strategist Russell Napier says central banks have lifted interest rates too far and a deflationary shock is coming. He believes Governments will react radically and that investors should avoid bonds and US stocks, and own more gold.

Economy

Federal budget forecast errors need greater scrutiny

The discrepancies that are appearing between Treasury budget forecasts and actual outcomes need closer examination. The inaccurate forecasts are impacting economic projections and investment decisions.

Investment strategies

A reluctant investor’s guide to understanding bitcoin

As every aspect of our lives has been transformed by digisitation, the changing nature of money and currencies should come as no surprise. But while bitcoin is here to stay, many investors still lack a clear grasp of what it is. 

Investment strategies

Unearthing small and mid-cap gems

Small and mid-cap companies aligned with long-term trends like security, climate and digital media can offer compelling growth opportunities. Here are three US stocks that are set to take off in 2025.  

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Decoding the DNA of exceptional companies

Successful companies depend on management decisions, with bold choices, long-term vision, and calculated risks driving growth. Luxury brand, Hermès, exemplifies this, resulting in it creating immense shareholder wealth. 

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