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Geoff Walker

A frank look at Chris Bowen's $67,000 question

Let's set this straight for the final time! Chris Bowen often used the example of a nurse on $67,000 who was at a significant disadvantage versus a retiree receiving franking. In fact, the outcome for both is almost the same.

How super became a poor deal for SMSF pensioners

Amazingly, SMSF pensioners invested in Australian shares will be much worse off under the Labor franking policy than in the ‘bad old days’ when their pensions were taxed.

Franking: never mind the logic, let’s obfuscate

The logic on Labor's franking policy demands an answer to one question: how does a franking credit refund differ from an employee receiving a PAYG refund after putting a tax return?

The politicians we voted for, the politicians we deserve

The critical point is that the number of first preference votes cast for minor parties in Victoria was greater than one quota. We got what we voted for, and the system allowed minor party voters to deny a major party seat.

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Investment strategies

UniSuper CIO shares his reflections on the 2025-2026 financial year

Markets climbed a wall of worry in FY26, but artificial intelligence remained the dominant force, rewarding some of the world’s biggest companies while leaving others behind.

Planning

Post-Budget blues? A knee jerk won’t help

Sweeping tax changes are reshaping the investment landscape and many investors are considering major restructures. But before chasing lower tax bills, it's worth asking whether those decisions will strengthen—or undermine your ability to build wealth across generations.

Investment strategies

Is value investing still relevant in today’s stockmarkets?

Is value investing relevant in an age when momentum investing, quant strategies and index funds increasingly dominate markets? It is underappreciated how share price distortions may be creating some of the best opportunities for patient, disciplined investors.

Investment strategies

How to find opportunity in global equities

Australia's concentrated market makes global diversification essential, but breadth alone is not enough. Investors still need a disciplined framework combining business quality, sensible valuation and a credible catalyst.

Gold

What keeps the world’s most patient investors returning to gold

While many investors are asking whether gold has peaked, the world's central banks appear to be asking different questions altogether. Their thinking offers useful insights for long-term investors.

Investment strategies

Don’t underestimate Australia

Investor sentiment towards Australia has turned increasingly gloomy, but the data tells a different story. There are are plenty of reasons to remain optimistic.

Superannuation

Are you making these SMSF mistakes?

After four decades advising investors, there are a few common mistakes I've seen SMSF investors make. From holding too much cash and chasing yield to overtrading and trusting tips. Are these errors costing you?

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