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Edition: 360

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  • 3 June 2020
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Drought, bushfires and coronavirus ... the Treasurer has admitted Australia is in a recession after the fall in the March quarter GDP, but the stock market has rallied strongly driven by the optimism of the stimulus packages. The withdrawal of up to $20,000 from superannuation is understandable for anyone struggling financially during the epidemic, but some young people have more money during this crisis than ever before in their lives.

Small investors miss out as institutions and banks cash in

Retail shareholders are being scaled back and diluted by boards and investment banks. If retail shareholders own 30% of a company, the Share Purchase Plan should represent 30% of the overall raising.

Chris Cuffe on why private debt is a hidden gem

Due to its illiquidity and higher risk, private debt as an asset class will not suit all investors. But for a patient investor with a longer-term horizon, private debt funds can provide a good risk/return trade off.

Three realities and three mistakes in market recoveries

It's not easy focussing on the long term when the short-term news is bad, but strong businesses find a way to thrive when times are tough. Here are three timeless facts and three evergreen mistakes.

Why asset allocations shifted due to COVID-19

Retail investors can learn from a multi-asset strategy that looks how macro events and economics affect market and portfolio risk. Major asset allocation changes can occur in response.

Three key company features in assessing the outlook now

With higher unemployment and cautious consumers, portfolios should be positioned for lower sustainable demand compared with prior levels. Here are three key features of companies in a lower-demand world.

Is Afterpay really worth $50?

How does an analyst value a stock which has traded between $8 and $50 in two months? Regardless, Afterpay has delivered Australia's youngest billionaire, and thousands have enjoyed the wild ride.

Choosing an index fund is more than just the expense ratio

Popular belief is that all index funds are the same, but it pays to follow this framework, which shows there is more to consider than the cheapest management cost. Replicating an index is not easy.

Disruptive technology is fast-forwarding into the future

Global lockdowns have accelerated the adoption of new technologies. The pandemic and resultant economic recession shine a spotlight on societal issues where technology can create solutions.

Media worth consuming - May 2020

Links to dozens of global media articles that do not receive mainstream coverage in Australia. It's sceptical, fun and revealing, often challenging consensus and accepted wisdom.

Most viewed in recent weeks

16 ASX stocks to buy and hold forever, updated

This time last year, I highlighted 16 ASX stocks that investors could own indefinitely. One year on, I look at whether there should be any changes to the list of stocks as well as which companies are worth buying now. 

UniSuper’s boss flags a potential correction ahead

The CIO of Australia’s fourth largest super fund by assets, John Pearce, suggests the odds favour a flat year for markets, with the possibility of a correction of 10% or more. However, he’ll use any dip as a buying opportunity.

2025-26 super thresholds – key changes and implications

The ABS recently released figures which are used to determine key superannuation rates and thresholds that will apply from 1 July 2025. This outlines the rates and thresholds that are changing and those that aren’t.  

Is Gen X ready for retirement?

With the arrival of the new year, the first members of ‘Generation X’ turned 60, marking the start of the MTV generation’s collective journey towards retirement. Are Gen Xers and our retirement system ready for the transition?

Why the $5.4 trillion wealth transfer is a generational tragedy

The intergenerational wealth transfer, largely driven by a housing boom, exacerbates economic inequality, stifles productivity, and impedes social mobility. Solutions lie in addressing the housing problem, not taxing wealth.

What Warren Buffett isn’t saying speaks volumes

Warren Buffett's annual shareholder letter has been fixture for avid investors for decades. In his latest letter, Buffett is reticent on many key topics, but his actions rather than words are sending clear signals to investors.

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