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5 January 2026
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If 2023 taught investors anything, it’s that being selective and diversified is key to riding the economic cycle. Had investors avoided risk assets on the back of many economists calling the “most anticipated recession” that never happened, they would have missed the artificial intelligence boom that sent the S&P 500 and the MSCI World ex Australia Index up more than 20%. One of the riskiest asset classes, private equity as represented by LPX 50 index returned more than 35%.
As we turn the page on another year, VanEck’s 2024 Asset Allocation Outlook dissects our views on inflation, policy rates, economic growth and exogenous risks as the lagged effect of the one of the sharpest rate hike cycles hits hardest. On balance, Australia and US should avoid a recession without the need for central bank policy rate cuts to smoothen the landing. Inflation will prove to be stickier than the market anticipates which reaffirms our tightening bias.
Stay the course and seek quality exposure across all risk asset classes including equities and fixed income. Emerging market equities, small caps, listed private equity and gold are cheap from a valuation standpoint. Investment grade and select government bond exposures are attractive.
Download the full paper
The superannuation system has succeeded brilliantly at what it was designed to do: accumulate wealth during working lives. The next challenge is meeting members’ diverse needs in retirement.
Two years ago, I wrote an article suggesting that the odds favoured ASX shares easily outperforming residential property over the next decade. Here’s an update on where things stand today.
I am a professional real estate investor who hears a lot of opinions rather than facts from so-called experts on the topic of property. Here are the largest myths when it comes to Australia’s biggest asset class.
In an interview with Firstlinks, CEO Mark Freeman discusses how speculative ASX stocks have crushed blue chips this year, companies he likes now, and why he’s confident AFIC’s NTA discount will close.
At this time last year, I forecast that 2025 would likely be a positive year given strong economic prospects and disinflation. The outlook for this year is less clear cut and here is what investors should do.
It might not be quite an ‘everything bubble’ but there’s froth in many assets, not just US stocks, right now. It might be time to stress test your portfolio and consider assets that could offer you shelter if trouble is coming.
Much has been made of how US markets, especially the NASDAQ, have significantly outperformed the ASX over the past two decades. History suggests the pendulum will swing back once again in Australia's favour.
What is the X-Factor - the largely unexpected influence that wasn’t thought about when the year began but came from left field to have powerful effects on investment returns - for 2025? It's time to select the winner.
What is progress? Is it GDP growth? Increasing wealth? New and improving technology? This argues that our measure of progress has become warped, and we're heading backwards rather than forwards.
Summer is a great time to catch up on a good book. Here is a list of books on leadership, investing, and well-being for those looking to learn, reflect, and gain inspiration over the holiday season.