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Edition: 388

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Welcome to Firstlinks Edition 388

  • 17 December 2020
  • 4

Our final packed edition for the year ... but first, if there is one thing 2020 taught us, it is to expect the unexpected. Although some people like Bill Gates forecast in 2014 that a pandemic on a global scale would hit in future, nobody seriously factored it into investment analysis. And even when COVID-19 struck, most analysts predicted economic doom and market collapses which also proved wrong.

Special Edition eBook: Firstlinks 2020 Interview Series

The Interview Series has proved highly popular with our readers. This year’s collection of 20 interviews for 2020 covers most asset types and is a window into how diversification helps to manage risk.

Evan Reedman: Australian ETFs from slow burn to rapid fire

ETFs have gone from bit player to major force in Australian investing in the space of a few years, and will top $100 billion soon. One of the major providers explains how they bring products to the market.

Five reasons Australian small companies are compelling investments

Many investors focus primarily on the big listed companies but the smaller end in tech, mining and healthcare outperforms through innovation. Many Australian companies are world-leaders in their speciality.

IPO a-go-go: the who, why, when and how much of IPO investing

Six key questions for investors to ask to navigate the avalanche of Australian IPOs. Don't assume the investment banker has done the due diligence and is on your side, as many IPOs struggle after issuance.

How to give retirees the confidence to spend

There are many items in the 'too hard basket' for super. Remember the proposed Retirement Income Covenant? It required trustees to develop an appropriate strategy for members, and it's time to progress with it.

The road to super hell is paved with good intentions

The Your Future, Your Super reform gives a super fund 12 months to rectify its performance, but failing the first test implies a 90% chance of failing the second test a year later. A failed test is an existential event.

What to watch in post-pandemic 2021

Despite the wave of optimism currently sweeping markets, some negative factors demand caution. Extraordinarily low interest rates is pushing up equities as investors choose the 'lesser evil' in asset allocations.

November 2020 was an historic month for ETFs

November 2020 was an exceptional month for ETF records, with new highs for total size, monthly growth and largest net flows. With over 250 listed products available, ETFs are well established among investor choices.

Seven steps to easier management of your estate

Don't make life difficult for the person trusted to manage your estate. Find the time to arrange your documents, contacts, online accounts and files in a convenient place, including giving them some cash.

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. 

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.  

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.

The 2025 Australian Federal election – implications for investors

With an election due by 17 May, we are effectively in campaign mode with the Government announcing numerous spending promises since January and the Coalition often matching them. Here's what the election means for investors.

Finding the best income-yielding assets

With fixed term deposit rates declining and bank hybrids being phased out, what are the best options for investors seeking income? This goes through the choices, and the opportunities and risks involved.

What history reveals about market corrections and crashes

The S&P 500's recent correction raises concerns about a bear market. History shows corrections are driven by high rates, unemployment, or global shocks, and that there's reason for optimism for nervous investors today. 

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