1 March 2026

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Ray Dalio on 2025’s real story, Trump, and what’s next Making sense of record high markets as the world catches fire 3 ways to fix Australia’s affordability crisis Is there a better way to reform the CGT discount?How cutting the CGT discount could help rebalance housing market

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Edition: 141

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Edition 141

5 February 2016

In 2011, when the S&P/ASX200 fell from almost 5,000 to below 4,000, worried investors were able to switch from equities to term deposits and still earn a half-decent return over 5%. This has not been possible in 2015 and into 2016 as the index has fallen from 6,000 to 5,000, with term deposit rates barely exceeding inflation.

Infrastructure risk factors in the current macro environment

Gerald Stack
4 February 2016

Infrastructure assets range widely from toll roads, ports, airports, power distribution, communications, etc, but there are common risk factors to consider in all of them.

The ‘January effect’ in stock markets

Ashley Owen
4 February 2016
1

For many decades, stock market performance in January consistently outperformed other months of the year, but before you start planning an arbitrage strategy, that horse has bolted.

Key investment take-outs from Paris Climate Conference

Pablo Berrutti
4 February 2016
3

In late-2015 representatives from over 100 countries met in Paris for the UN's convention on climate change. There are key outcomes and implications for investors and their portfolios.

Oil price fall will lubricate economic growth

Hugh Dive
4 February 2016
2

There's been much media attention on the negative aspects of oil price falls, but some of the benefits are doing more for the economy than the government stimulus package during the GFC.

The most important advice of my career

Graham Hand
4 February 2016
5

If the fear of public speaking is compromising your career progression, this breathing technique is definitely worth a try. It helps the body manage the brain instead of the other way around.

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Most viewed in recent weeks

Ray Dalio on 2025’s real story, Trump, and what’s next

The renowned investor says 2025’s real story wasn’t AI or US stocks but the shift away from American assets and a collapse in the value of money. And he outlines how to best position portfolios for what’s ahead.

James Gruber
21 January 2026

Making sense of record high markets as the world catches fire

The post-World War Two economic system is unravelling, leading to huge shifts in currency, bond and commodity markets, yet stocks seem oblivious to the chaos. This looks to history as a guide for what’s next.

James Gruber
28 January 2026

3 ways to fix Australia’s affordability crisis

Our cost-of-living pressures go beyond the RBA: surging house prices, excessive migration, and expanding government programs, including the NDIS, are fuelling inflation, demanding bold, structural solutions.

James Gruber
4 February 2026

Is there a better way to reform the CGT discount?

The capital gains tax discount is under review, but debate should go beyond its size. Its original purpose, design flaws and distortions suggest Australia could adopt a better, more targeted approach.

Matthew Maltman, Matt Nolan
11 February 2026

How cutting the CGT discount could help rebalance housing market

A more rational taxation system that supports home ownership but discourages asset speculation could provide greater financial support to first home buyers.

Jago Dodson, Liam Davies
18 February 2026

Welcome to Firstlinks Edition 648 with weekend update

This is my last edition as Editor of Firstlinks. I’m moving onto a new role though the newsletter will remain in good hands until my permanent replacement is found.

5 February 2026

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