9 July 2025

Recently trending

7 examples of how the new super tax will be calculated The revolt against Baby Boomer wealth Meg on SMSFs: Withdrawing assets ahead of the $3m super tax Are franking credits hurting Australia’s economy?Here's what should replace the $3 million super tax

Ian Kelly, CFP, BTACS Financial Services: "Probably the best source of commentary and information I have seen over the past 20 years."

Andrew Buchan, Partner, HLB Mann Judd: "I have told you a thousand times it's the best newsletter."

Rob Henshaw: "When I open my computer each day it's the first link I click - a really great read."

Reader: "I subscribe to two newsletters. This is my first read of the week. Thank you. Excellent and please keep up the good work!"

Reader: "Great resource. Cuffelinks is STILL the one and only weekly newsletter I regularly read."

Reader: "I can quickly sort the items that I am interested in, then research them more fully. It is also a regular reminder that I need to do this."

Don Stammer, leading Australian economist: "Congratulations to all associated. It deserves the good following it has."

Eleanor Dartnall, AFA Adviser of the Year, 2014: "Our clients love your newsletter. Your articles are avidly read by advisers and they learn a great deal."

Reader: "Keep it up - the independence is refreshing and is demonstrated by the variety of well credentialed commentators."

Reader: "Is one of very few places an investor can go and not have product rammed down their throat. Love your work!"

Noel Whittaker, author and financial adviser: "A fabulous weekly newsletter that is packed full of independent financial advice."

John Pearce, Chief Investment Officer, Unisuper: "Out of the (many many) investmentrelated emails I get, Cuffelinks is one that I always open."

Steve: "The best that comes into our world each week. This is the only one that is never, ever canned before fully being reviewed by yours truly."

Reader: "The BEST in the game because of diversity and not aligned to financial products. Stands above all the noise."

David Goldschmidt, Chartered Accountant: "I find this a really excellent newsletter. The best I get. Keep up the good work!"

Jonathan Hoyle, CEO, Stanford Brown: "A fabulous publication. The only must-read weekly publication for the Australian wealth management industry."

Ian Silk, CEO, AustralianSuper: "It has become part of my required reading: quality thinking, and (mercifully) to the point."

Reader: "It's excellent so please don't pollute the content with boring mainstream financial 'waffle' and adverts for stuff we don't want!"

Reader: "Best innovation I have seen whilst an investor for 25 years. The writers are brilliant. A great publication which I look forward to."

Professor Robert Deutsch: "This has got to be the best set of articles on economic and financial matters. Always something worthwhile reading in Firstlinks. Thankyou"

John Egan, Egan Associates: "My heartiest congratulations. Your panel of contributors is very impressive and keep your readers fully informed."

Reader: "Congratulations on a great focussed news source. Australia has a dearth of good quality unbiased financial and wealth management news."

Reader: "Love it, just keep doing what you are doing. It is the right length too, any longer and it might become a bit overwhelming."

Australian Investors Association: "Australia's foremost independent financial newsletter for professionals and self-directed investors."

Scott Pape, author of The Barefoot Investor: "I'm an avid reader of Cuffelinks. Thanks for the wonderful resource you have here, it really is first class."

Reader: "Carry on as you are - well done. The average investor/SMSF trustee needs all the help they can get."

Reader: "An island of professionalism in an ocean of shallow self-interest. Well done!"

Reader: " Finding a truly independent and interesting read has been magical for me. Please keep it up and don't change!"

Home / 184

Edition: 184

1-7 out of 7 results.

Edition 184

2 December 2016

Faced with a barrage of turbulent events, from wars to recessions to Brexit to Trump, does it feel like many markets have struggled in the last year, and in the last few years? Ashley Owen's chart will surprise most people. The last five years have delivered good returns in every major asset class.

If this is the new normal in a low return world ... give me more!

Ashley Owen
1 December 2016
11

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.

Ten ways to generate new investment ideas

Chris Stott
1 December 2016
4

Investors have access to many sources of information, and investment ideas come in many guises from different places, some when you don't expect them. Where have your best investments come from?

Asset test changes create questionable advice

Gordon Thompson
1 December 2016
8

As pensioners and advisers adapt to the asset test changes, they should not place a different value on a dollar of income and a dollar of accumulated capital to support a retiree's lifestyle.

Caveat lender, and consistency in law

Donal Griffin
1 December 2016

When combining family and financial matters, what starts out well can turn ugly. Not only should such dealings be properly documented, but also conducted in strict accordance with those documents.

Some active managers succeed while the majority struggle

Alan Hartstein
1 December 2016
3

According to S&P, the majority of active managers continue to underperform their benchmarks. However there are sectors where active styles perform well, and many managers justify their fees.

Seniors tax and moving money outside super

Graham Hand
1 December 2016
7

Given the proportion of people over 65 paying income tax has halved in the last 20 years, the structure of seniors tax may be next for reform. Should money be left inside or outside super for those who can access it?

Firstlinks is sponsored by:

Most viewed in recent weeks

7 examples of how the new super tax will be calculated

You've no doubt heard about Division 296. These case studies show what people at various levels above the $3 million threshold might need to pay the ATO, with examples ranging from under $500 to more than $35,000.

ASFA
18 June 2025

The revolt against Baby Boomer wealth

The $3m super tax could be put down to the Government needing money and the wealthy being easy targets. It’s deeper than that though and this looks at the factors behind the policy and why more taxes on the wealthy are coming.

James Gruber
11 June 2025

Meg on SMSFs: Withdrawing assets ahead of the $3m super tax

The super tax has caused an almighty scuffle, but for SMSFs impacted by the proposed tax, a big question remains: what should they do now? Here are ideas for those wanting to withdraw money from their SMSF.

Meg Heffron
4 June 2025

Are franking credits hurting Australia’s economy?

Business investment and per capita GDP have languished over the past decade and the Labor Government is conducting inquiries to find out why. Franking credits should be part of the debate about our stalling economy.

James Gruber
18 June 2025

Here's what should replace the $3 million super tax

With Div. 296 looming, is there a smarter way to tax superannuation? This proposes a fairer, income-linked alternative that respects compounding, ensures predictability, and avoids taxing unrealised capital gains.

Tony Dillon
2 July 2025

The huge cost of super tax concessions

The current net annual cost of superannuation tax subsidies is around $40 billion, growing to more than $110 billion by 2060. These subsidies have always been bad policy, representing a waste of taxpayers' money.

Ron Bird
4 June 2025

Alliances

Site Map

About Firstlinks

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.