Register For Our Mailing List

Register to receive our free weekly newsletter including editorials.

Home / 275

Cuffelinks Newsletter Special Edition 275

  •   12 October 2018
  •      
  •   

This week, we have a change of pace from our usual new articles on many different subjects. We are focussing on one topic in this edition, and it's also a chance to catch up on some of the 2,000 articles archived on our website.

It's rare that I read a book which makes me think differently. Hans Rosling's Factfulness has a subtitle, "Ten reasons we're wrong about the world - and why things are better than you think."

It was recently longlisted for the FT/McKinsey Business Book of the Year Award.

Bill Gates said of this book: "One of the most important books I've ever read - an indispensable guide to thinking clearly about the world."

The book starts with a quiz to test yourself about the world and how you understand it. We have recreated the test so we can compare Cuffelinks readers with worldwide and Australian results. Please take a few minutes to do the test before reading my article on the book. 

While I encourage you to buy the book for a better understanding (and note we have no commercial interest in you doing so), my article will give a flavour of Hans Rosling's analysis.

Many of you will know Rosling from the extraordinary visualisation he created in 2010 on '200 Countries, 200 Years, 4 Minutes - The Joy of Stats'. Viewed some 8.5 million times, in only four minutes, he takes us through how life expectancy and income changed around the world over 200 years. The Youtube link is here.   

Remember, it's also a chance to catch up on those Cuffelinks articles you meant to revisit but never found time. You can also:

  • Use the search box in the top right of our home page to research any financial subject.
  • Check the 'About Us' section of the menu bar at the top of the home page to look for any of over 600 authors under the 'Find Writers' Articles' tab.
  • The menu bar also includes the six Special Ebooks we have produced over the years.
  • The Education Centre on the menu is chock full of reports on LICs, ETFs and White Papers.
  • The content written by all our sponsors is collected in their own section, if you want to find out more about their insights and whether you should invest with or use them.

But most important this week is the Factfulness quiz. After completing it, check the slides provided by Gapminder to explain the answers better.

The Additional Features section below includes the latest reports on ETFs, LICs and listed securities. Normal service on exclusive new articles will resume next week.

Graham Hand, Managing Editor

 

For a PDF version of this week’s newsletter articles, click here.

 

  •   12 October 2018
  •      
  •   

 

Leave a Comment:

banner

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Latest Updates

Property

The 5% deposit scheme is bad for homeowners and Australia

An ‘affordability’ scheme making the county more vulnerable to economic shocks and contributing to the deteriorating financial situation of everyday Australians.

Investment strategies

Is defensive the new offensive?

Relatively boring, unglamorous, defensive stocks like Kroger and Allstate have quietly outperformed gilded tech giants, offering steady growth, visibility, and resilient returns in a market captivated by AI and flashier industries.

Shares

How the RBA scores on its inflation goal

The Reserve Bank continues to face criticism from all sides. A reminder of the RBA's mandate and a review of their track record in maintaining price stability since the early 1990s.

Investment strategies

Levered credit: A late cycle ingredient for drawdown pain

As credit spreads normalised through 2025, yield‑hungry investors have turned to leverage for high returns, uncomfortably echoing pre‑GFC behaviours. Investors need to be careful to understand the true risk‑return trade‑off.

Planning

The more things change… longevity just goes on increasing

Australia needs a major shift in longevity awareness, attitudes and behaviour if, as a community, we are to reap the benefits of increasing longevity. Adopting a national strategy is well overdue.

Property

The improving outlook of Australian commercial real estate

The sector is positioned to benefit from defensive and resilient income streams supported by embedded rental increase opportunities. 

Property

Seize hidden opportunities among 50+ home buyer schemes in Australia

There is a laundry list of government schemes to help Australian's struggling with housing affordability. Savvy buyers should take advantage to break into the property market.

Sponsors

Alliances

© 2026 Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer
The data, research and opinions provided here are for information purposes; are not an offer to buy or sell a security; and are not warranted to be correct, complete or accurate. Morningstar, its affiliates, and third-party content providers are not responsible for any investment decisions, damages or losses resulting from, or related to, the data and analyses or their use. To the extent any content is general advice, it has been prepared for clients of Morningstar Australasia Pty Ltd (ABN: 95 090 665 544, AFSL: 240892), without reference to your financial objectives, situation or needs. For more information refer to our Financial Services Guide. You should consider the advice in light of these matters and if applicable, the relevant Product Disclosure Statement before making any decision to invest. Past performance does not necessarily indicate a financial product’s future performance. To obtain advice tailored to your situation, contact a professional financial adviser. Articles are current as at date of publication.
This website contains information and opinions provided by third parties. Inclusion of this information does not necessarily represent Morningstar’s positions, strategies or opinions and should not be considered an endorsement by Morningstar.