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22 July 2024

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Edition: 197

1-8 out of 8 results.

Edition 197

  • 7 April 2017

The recent regulator focus on macroprudential controls reminds me of when I started work in a bank treasury in the early 1980s. At the time, a 10% limit was imposed on loan growth, but banks found ways around the rules. They converted business loans to bank bill facilities which were not counted in the loan numbers, but provided the same credit for the client. They required borrowers to repay overnight loans on a Wednesday because it was the reporting day, and then lent to them again the next day. Let's hope those were the bad old days and banks don't behave like that now.

Retirement savings and age pension black holes

It’s surprising there has not been more outcry about the age pension taper test in a low rate environment, where a ‘black hole’ creates a perverse impact of less retirement income the more a retiree has saved.

Debt binge main cause of house price rises

Household borrowing, mainly for property, now far exceeds business borrowing, but it is businesses that create jobs and wealth. The crackdown on housing debt is overdue.

When directors sell, should you sell too?

The selling of shares by company directors is not necessarily a sign for other investors to follow, but research into Australian sales seems to be a stronger signal than directors' buying.

Five urban myths about super changes

When changes to regulations are as extensive and complex as the coming 1 July rules, many misconceptions about how they work arise for both advisers and their clients. Here are a few common mistakes.

Can socially responsible investing and good returns coexist?

There is gathering evidence that socially responsible investing (SRI) is not just about doing the right thing, but it does not detract from returns and investors who focus on it are likely to be rewarded.

Of Blackberrys, pineapples and trade

Free trade is more at risk than at any time in almost a century, and yet trade restrictions will increase prices for those who can least afford it, and prop up inefficient industries.

New RG97 rules will increase disclosed fees

Superannuation and managed fund providers are finding new product disclosure requirements challenging, but the standards will allow better fund comparisons for consumers.

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Meg on SMSFs: Clearing up confusion on the $3 million super tax

There seems to be more confusion than clarity about the mechanics of how the new $3 million super tax is supposed to work. Here is an attempt to answer some of the questions from my previous work on the issue. 

Welcome to Firstlinks Edition 566 with weekend update

Here are 10 rules for staying happy and sharp as we age, including socialise a lot, never retire, learn a demanding skill, practice gratitude, play video games (specific ones), and be sure to reminisce.

  • 27 June 2024

Australian housing is twice as expensive as the US

A new report suggests Australian housing is twice as expensive as that of the US and UK on a price-to-income basis. It also reveals that it’s cheaper to live in New York than most of our capital cities.

The catalyst for a LICs rebound

The discounts on listed investment vehicles are at historically wide levels. There are lots of reasons given, including size and liquidity, yet there's a better explanation for the discounts, and why a rebound may be near.

The iron law of building wealth

The best way to lose money in markets is to chase the latest stock fad. Conversely, the best way to build wealth is by pursuing a timeless investment strategy that won’t be swayed by short-term market gyrations.

How not to run out of money in retirement

The life expectancy tables used throughout the financial advice and retirement industry have issues and you need to prepare for the possibility of living a lot longer than you might have thought. Plan accordingly.

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