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29 August 2026
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Australia is entering FY27 on shaky footing, with policy uncertainty, a weakening consumer, housing market pressures and slowing growth creating a difficult environment for investors. This outlook shares 10 actionable ideas for the year ahead.
New data suggest the Australian economy is losing momentum faster than expected, with unemployment rising and growth slowing ahead of recent shocks. With inflation pressures contained and policy tightening already biting, the case for an RBA pivot is strengthening.
An assessment of the impact of the 2026-27 Budget, and the risk that in the attempt to engender inter-generational fairness that we create new distortions that ultimately could lead to lower capital investment, lower economic growth.
Choosing to tighten into large and persistent exogenous economic shocks could well prove to be one of the biggest policy errors the RBA has made in the inflation targeting era.
In 2026, investors can likely expect higher volatility associated with a maturing business cycle. As that volatility nears the horizon, investors can benefit from a more optimal mix of active management focused on higher risk-adjusted returns.
Reporting season is stressful, but for Johnny Russell (Portfolio Manager, Yarra Global Share Fund), it also serves as a reminder of the importance of stepping back to reflect on broader themes shaping the world around us.
Reversionary pensions have long been a staple of SMSF estate planning, but are they still the best option? Meg Heffron revisits a once-clear favourite and asks whether changing super rules have shifted the balance.
Rising age dependency is frequently treated as a warning sign for economies. But when actual workforce participation is examined, a strikingly different picture emerges about ageing, productivity and economic sustainability.
The 4% rule has long been retirement's gold standard. But after a difficult period for investors, fresh analysis suggests a more conservative approach may significantly improve the chances of making savings last.
Investors have recently been rewarded for backing market leaders, but history suggests this eventually comes at a cost. Now may be the time to review whether your portfolio is carrying unintended risks beneath the surface.
Most Australians gear into property but ignore shares. That may be a mistake. Used carefully, geared equity strategies can enhance long-term returns, reduce cash tied up in growth assets and support retirement income goals.
The headlines exclaiming that Australian government debt has hit A$1 trillion and US government debt has hit $40 trillion has turned heads, but how serious are they really? Will Australia's mix of debt create challenges?
For decades, GDP has been the benchmark for economic success, but has it made us materially happier? If happiness does not rise in lockstep with prosperity, are we overlooking what constitutes a successful society?