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7 January 2025
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The headlines and graphics are ready. With the All Ordinaries Index closing yesterday at 6,728, it is apparently within striking distance of the all-time high on 31 October 2007 of 6,873. But sorry to spoil the party.
Our Interview Series continues with a small cap manager who uses unique filters, including the Toddler Index, and likens investing to going to a nightclub. And guess what time of night it is.
In 35 years watching investment markets, some themes continue to repeat. Investors don't need to live through the same mistakes if they follow this list of lessons learned from studying markets.
Cost is one part of investing that people saving for retirement can control, and it's surprising how the compounding impact of small cost savings build up to large amounts over a long accumulation phase.
ASIC's recent report on marketplace lending provides a statistical base to study the different features of the industry. It continues to grow strongly but at a slower rate than previous years.
Statements by Brian Hartzer, CEO of Westpac, confirm that financial advice delivered by advisers to the mass market is not financially viable, and technology is the solution if most Australians are not to miss out.
Watch the exact timing of super contributions to create a tax deduction, especially this year, and anyone with a pension that reverts to another person on death has particular timing issues to address.
An important part of the economics of property investment is claiming tax deductions for depreciation of plant, equipment and buildings, and a qualified expert should perform the assessment.
What do many of Australia’s top experts in superannuation and retirement planning think the government should focus its policies on? A long article but with many interesting ideas.
Last year, I wrote an article suggesting returns from ASX stocks would trample those from housing over the next decade. One year later, this is an update on how that forecast is going and what's changed since.
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.
ASFA provides a key guide for how much you will need to live on in retirement. Unfortunately it has many deficiencies, and the averages don't tell the full story of the growing gender superannuation gap.
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.
Key lessons include expensive stocks can always get more expensive, Bitcoin is our tulip mania, follow the smart money, the young are coming with pitchforks on housing, and the importance of staying invested.
Check out the most-read Firstlinks articles from 2024. From '16 ASX stocks to buy and hold forever', to 'The best strategy to build income for life', and 'Where baby boomer wealth will end up', there's something for all.