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14 April 2025
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If the recent polls are anything to go by, we are headed for a hung parliament at the upcoming federal election. So more than ever, Australians need to give serious consideration to their preference votes.
Stephen Jones is the Shadow Minister for Financial Services and Superannuation, and if Labor is elected, he is likely to become the Minister. What do we know about him? This is an edited transcript of his views.
Total returns from the local stock market have averaged 10.5% per year since Federation, with 12% p.a. under right-leaning governments and 8% p.a. under left-leaning governments. But it's mainly luck.
Where once it was difficult to differentiate between the superannuation policies of the two major political parties, the 2019 Federal Election will deliver some stark choices for voters.
An edited extract from the Cuffelinks Facebook page shows how widespread the debate on Labor's franking has become, and the majority of people need a simple, logical explanation on how franking actually works.
Labor's proposal on franking credits is not only facing considerable opposition, but it is also encouraging people to consider future ways to utilise the credits. It is a chance to think deeper about estate planning.
Confirmation that Labor's proposals on negative gearing will apply not only to investment property but all investments will require a rethink on many tax management strategies.
Two studies dive into the numbers to argue that Labor's franking policy will hit low income earners the hardest, because a franking credit is a constant 30% of the taxable income.
Labor's franking proposal could affect many more super funds than expected, not only SMSFs, depending on the allocation to Australian shares, their franking and the percentage of assets in pension phase.
Labor has foreshadowed significant amendments to a wide range of financial policies, and while the new PM has time to make up lost ground, Labor is favourite to win the next federal election.
The 1 July 2017 changes have caused huge shifts in SMSF assets out of pension mode, and Labor's proposed franking credit refunds policy is a further hit to self-funded retirees.
Cuffelinks has published 15 articles related to Labor's proposed franking policy. In this compendium, each article is summarised and linked to, plus a 'sample letter' to his local member from an aggrieved retiree.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.