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21 January 2025
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Almost every economic data point or announcement can be interpreted as good news or bad news, which is confusing for investors looking for guidance. 'On the other hand' is a catchphrase of the dismal science.
The Matildas sold out stadiums and set television viewing records, thrilling millions of Australians who had never watched a football match before. Despite the excitement, few will now watch the domestic competitions.
During market dislocation events, investors react irrationally and it should be a great environment for active management. The last few years have been an easy ride on tech stocks but it's now all about quality.
Company results reported in February 2022 showed some cost increases but most enjoyed major revenue upgrades, especially in the commodity and financial sectors. Here are portfolio highlights from two fund managers.
The prospect of Australia's superannuation industry becoming larger than the domestic equity market, and expected merger activity among super funds, has raised concerns about common ownership and capital concentration.
Last November, the heads of four investment platforms identified the key themes they anticipated would guide investment decisions in 2021. With the year half over, we see how they’ve played out and check the outlook.
A back-to-basics explainer on the challenges arising from the impact of inflation on financial markets, reminding investors to hold some assets that act as a defence against rising inflation.
This month's look at innovations changing the world explores computer chips, cryptocurrencies, renewables, cybersecurity, robotics, mobility, alternative foods, finance ... there is no limit to human ingenuity.
A monthly look at innovations changing the world explores cornea transplants, cancer diagnosis, aging, AI, virtual and augmented reality, disinformation, mobility, space, environment, batteries ... there is no limit.
Biden is close but Republicans will likely hold the Senate. A split Congress has historically resulted in higher market returns. Investors should note that company earnings, not elections, drive the stock market.
Over the long term it doesn’t matter who is the President as the US has thrived under different presidencies and parties. At least as important for Australia is the deterioration of our China relationship.
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.
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 housing market was subdued in 2024, and pessimism abounds as we start the new year. 2025 is likely to be a tale of two halves, with interest rate cuts fuelling a resurgence in buyer demand in the second half of the year.
The renowned investor has penned his first investor letter for 2025 and it’s a ripper. He runs through what bubbles are, which ones he’s experienced, and whether today’s markets qualify as the third major bubble of this century.
This examines the performance of key asset classes and sub-sectors in 2024 and over longer timeframes, and the lessons that can be drawn for constructing an investment portfolio for the next decade.
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.