Register For Our Mailing List

Register to receive our free weekly newsletter including editorials.

Home / 332

Welcome to Firstlinks Edition 332

  •   13 November 2019
  •      
  •   

Almost overnight, 'OK Boomer' has become a quick and biting retort for younger people. The New York Times calls it "the end of friendly generational relations". OK Boomer has already entered Hansard in New Zealand when Chloe Swarbrick, a 25-year-old politician, silenced a heckler. The NYT quotes Shannon O'Connor, designer of the shirt below, saying:

“The older generations grew up with a certain mind-set, and we have a different perspective. A lot of them don’t believe in climate change or don’t believe people can get jobs with dyed hair, and a lot of them are stubborn in that view. Teenagers just respond, ‘Ok, boomer.’ It’s like, we’ll prove you wrong, we’re still going to be successful because the world is changing.”

OK, this Boomer looks at the financial advantages of those born between 1946 and 1964, now aged 55 to 73, and suggests we have much to be grateful for. We have included a two-question survey at the end of the article for Boomers and other generations to share their views. [Note: This survey is now closed]


Also this week, two investment analysts take the current temperature of the Australian equity market. Hugh Dive gives his annual scorecard for Australian banks, and finds room for optimism, while Rudi Filapek-Vandyck focusses on high-quality yield stocks still giving value.

Gemma Dale has an encouraging look at the investing trends of younger women, while Jun Bei Liu shows how shorting works and why it is underappreciated.

Michael Collins warns that central bank fear of withdrawing stimulus may have longer term bad consequences. Economic systems need a regular reality check to clean out the excesses.

Regardless of your personal view on climate change, large investors including Australian super funds are demanding action. In this week of devastating bush fires and everyone's concern for the victims and firefighters, David Macri explains why capital is divesting from fossil fuel companies.

Continuing the ESG theme, Legg Mason affiliate, QS Investors, asks whether responsible investing delivers only perceived value rather than enhancing risk and return performance. 


We love receiving comments, especially when an article touches someone personally. Rose Herceg's piece on brands and retirement drew Rachel to say,

"Turning 50 seems less daunting now. I took time off work, 8 years to be exact, to raise kids. I returned to work a few years ago and I am loving it."


Let us know what you think about the Boomer life in the survey at the end of the first article.

Graham Hand, Managing Editor

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

 


 

Leave a Comment:

banner

Most viewed in recent weeks

Australian house prices close in on world record

Sydney is set to become the world’s most expensive city for housing over the next 12 months, a new report shows. Our other major cities aren’t far behind unless there are major changes to improve housing affordability.

The case for the $3 million super tax

The Government's proposed tax has copped a lot of flack though I think it's a reasonable approach to improve the long-term sustainability of superannuation and the retirement income system. Here’s why.

Tariffs are a smokescreen to Trump's real endgame

Behind market volatility and tariff threats lies a deeper strategy. Trump’s real goal isn’t trade reform but managing America's massive debts, preserving bond market confidence, and preparing for potential QE.

The super tax and the defined benefits scandal

Australia's superannuation inequities date back to poor decisions made by Parliament two decades ago. If super for the wealthy needs resetting, so too does the defined benefits schemes for our public servants.

Meg on SMSFs: Withdrawing assets ahead of the $3m super tax

The super tax has caused an almighty scuffle, but for SMSFs impacted by the proposed tax, a big question remains: what should they do now? Here are ideas for those wanting to withdraw money from their SMSF.

Getting rich vs staying rich

Strategies to get rich versus stay rich are markedly different. Here is a look at the five main ways to get rich, including through work, business, investing and luck, as well as those that preserve wealth.

Latest Updates

SMSF strategies

Meg on SMSFs: Withdrawing assets ahead of the $3m super tax

The super tax has caused an almighty scuffle, but for SMSFs impacted by the proposed tax, a big question remains: what should they do now? Here are ideas for those wanting to withdraw money from their SMSF.

Superannuation

The huge cost of super tax concessions

The current net annual cost of superannuation tax subsidies is around $40 billion, growing to more than $110 billion by 2060. These subsidies have always been bad policy, representing a waste of taxpayers' money.

Planning

How to avoid inheritance fights

Inspired by the papal conclave, this explores how families can avoid post-death drama through honest conversations, better planning, and trial runs - so there are no surprises when it really matters.

Superannuation

Super contribution splitting

Super contribution splitting allows couples to divide before-tax contributions to super between spouses, maximizing savings. It’s not for everyone, but in the right circumstances, it can be a smart strategy worth exploring.

Economy

Trump vs Powell: Who will blink first?

The US economy faces an unprecedented clash in leadership styles, but the President and Fed Chair could both take a lesson from the other. Not least because the fiscal and monetary authorities need to work together.

Gold

Credit cuts, rising risks, and the case for gold

Shares trade at steep valuations despite higher risks of a recession. Amid doubts that a 60/40 portfolio can still provide enough protection through times of market stress, gold's record shines bright.

Investment strategies

Buffett acolyte warns passive investors of mediocre future returns

While Chris Bloomstan doesn't have the track record of his hero, it's impressive nonetheless. And he's recently warned that today has uncanny resemblances to the 1990s tech bubble and US returns are likely to be disappointing.

Sponsors

Alliances

© 2025 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.