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1 January 2026
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Thank you to those who responded to last week’s reader survey. We love to hear what you think of Firstlinks and appreciate your engagement.
Some trends that have become clear already include:
I’ve included a selection of comments below. Do you have anything to add?
If you had planned to do the survey ‘later’ and haven’t quite got there, we’ll be keeping it open until Wednesday 17th July.
Lastly, thanks to the majority of readers who recommend Firstlinks to friends and family. If you know someone who would benefit from regularly reading Firstlinks, please forward this subscription link to them.
Leisa Bell is Assistant Editor at Firstlinks.
In the interests of recognizing the complete investment universe, my memory of the survey is that it did not include recognition of investments in Corporate Bonds or direct real estate although it did include things like cryptocurrencies. I think this is out of balance.
First Links' articles are informative and easy to read. Excellent mix of topics which keep the readers well informed. I look forward to reading them each week.
Firstlinks is a terrific source of balanced and educational information while at the same time being inspiring
Global data indicate that "Huston, we have a problem" (climate changes, global financial system, society decline, etc.; our current way of life, in general, is in crisis and/or in continuous decline in the past 8-10 years). The way we operate is simply not sustainable and new technology cannot solve everything, but we don't want to hear, or acknowledge any of this (i.e. not visible and/or considered anywhere in our generally optimistic view of the investment universe). Note: Past performance is not indicative of the future. :) (The future I cannot see, but I'm a pessimistic optimist.)
Hi Again (I can't add re-enter the survey, it disallows because I have already commented, so I am adding another thought here.) As someone invested in property, I separate out the Investor world of Firstlinks from more familiar territory. However when it did come up in Firstlinks some months ago, there did not seem to be the recognition of capital gains as being a significant part of the wealth creation in the comparison with other investments.
An excellent 2,135 responses to the Survey. Most readers are in older age brackets, usually with an SMSF, about 30% are market professionals, and they value our independence and lack of product flogging. 94% say they already have or are likely to recommended Cuffelinks to a friend.
The Cuffelinks team would like to thank you for your time in responding to our latest Reader Survey - your feedback is most encouraging. It gives us valuable insights into how our newsletter and website are being received.
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.
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.
I’ve been comparing property and shares for decades and while both have their place, the differences are stark. When tax, costs, and liquidity are weighed, property looks less compelling than its reputation suggests.
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.
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.