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15 August 2024
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Crowding into US technology stocks got to such extreme levels that a rotation out of them was inevitable. That rotation has a long way to run at some point, and the big winners will come from hitherto overlooked asset classes.
For decades, it’s been a truism that taking greater risks with stocks should equate to higher returns. New research casts doubt on that and suggests investing in ‘boring’ stocks and industries may be a better bet.
The Retirement Income Covenant mandates super funds create retirement strategies, but progress has been uneven, leaving retirees underserved. Retirement licensing could enforce standards and improve outcomes.
Australian bank stocks have had a stellar 12 months, prompting many investors to suggest now would be a good time to sell them. Yet the Big Four remain in a strong position that suggests a more nuanced outlook is needed.
High bond-equity correlation suggests increased overall portfolio risk, making greater fixed income allocations crucial for managing volatility. While bonds no longer diversify portfolios as much, elevated yields make them attractive.
Since the 1970s, whenever positive economic growth and disinflation have joined forces, they've produced good conditions for equities, particularly for companies with pricing power. It bodes well for markets going forward.
Small companies have been getting a lot of attention lately, as the equities rally this year extends beyond mega caps. Here is a look at the opportunities for Australian investors in this new environment.
As a recent import I've needed to adjust to Australia's retirement system. Not just to the new rules and jargon. But to how super funds are advertised and, quite frankly, how much bigger your retirement pots are.
Recently, I spent time in hospital for pneumonia. Health issues can clarify what really matters, and one thing became clear to me: 99% of what we think is important is either irrelevant or doesn’t need our immediate attention.
Rising prices have a big impact on retirement outcomes yet our most common gauge of inflation – the consumer price index – misses several important household costs for retirees.
Most people would prefer to have more money than less of it. But at what point do the trappings of wealth and success start to outweigh the benefits of striving for more?
Australia faces a wave of retirees at a stage where the superannuation system is still maturing. Better and fairer policy on the role of the family home as a retirement asset might help.