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Ashley Owen

History repeats on housing, but how long will this last?

History indicates that Australian house prices are more likely to flatline than collapse. The main problem is likely to be in high-rise construction, with banks exposed to highly-leveraged buyers and developers.

The Dow hitting 20,000 and what it hides

Investors celebrated when the Dow broke through the 20,000 mark last month, but in real terms, it's a more sobering picture. Australian stocks in particular are struggling to reach their previous heights.

If this is the new normal in a low return world ... give me more!

Investors are receiving the repetitive message about how low returns are the new normal, yet all asset classes have done well for a record stretch of time. Amid the chatter, the data proves the point.

Investment implications of Trump presidency

President-elect Donald Trump divides opinion, and there is no way of knowing whether the rhetoric that won him the top job will translate into action. Here's a quick look at some implications.

Benign economic growth but what about shares?

Most commentators believe there is a positive correlation between economic growth and share market performance. The data disproves this, at a world and country level and over time.

US shares at new highs, but where's Australia?

Since the 1900s, share market returns for US and Australian investors have been similar over the long run, but lately, US shares have outperformed with the current tech boom. How about +66% versus -2% since 2007.

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Investment strategies

Putting portfolios together when the world is falling apart

Global equity markets have grown more correlated due to globalization, but this trend may reverse which boosts the benefits of cross-country diversification.

Property

Housing belongs in the inequality story

Research highlights the significant impact of excluding housing income from income inequality analysis in Australia, arguing for the inclusion of imputed rent and capital gains to provide a more accurate picture.

Exchange traded products

Lithium's rally is real this time – but no-one trusts it

The lithium rally mirrors the early-2010s tech stock surge, with demand set to double by 2030. Supply has been slow to respond, creating a market deficit for future tech like humanoid robotics and solid-state batteries.

Economy

Why is Aussie inflation so stubborn?

Increasing our official cash rate contrasts with almost every other developed country in the world. Canada, UK, Europe, and USA, so far, have not reversed recent cuts while their inflation issues appear to be contained.

Strategy

How to stop Australian democracy going the way of the US

Around the world, democracy as a system of government is backsliding. After more than 50 years of liberal democracy in ascendancy, democratic progress plateaued around the turn of the century and is now going backwards.

Economy

Off-budget, but not off-the hook

Financial commentators await the federal budget with focus on debt and deficit. 'Off-budget' accounting alters the fiscal picture with unseen programs.

Economy

Shares rebound on hopes of war ending, but stalemate the likely outcome

Ashley Owen's abridged monthly snapshot uncovers what is front of mind for investors around the world and his view on the likely outcome of the stand-off in the Middle East.

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