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Ashley Owen

Australian shares did OK if you avoided banks and miners

With the broad Australian stock index down 8% since the start of 2015, it looks like a poor period for equity markets. But if investors managed to avoid banks and miners, there's every chance their portfolio performed well.

Is the current market really more volatile?

Talk of the current market being volatile is overstated. Markets have been relatively calm for the last four years, and what we are seeing now should be considered normal.

Do 'January' results foretell the full year for equities?

A final look at the 'January effect' to analyse whether the market's first month performance predicts the share market's likely year-end returns, and why Australia is different from the US.

The ‘January effect’ in stock markets

For many decades, stock market performance in January consistently outperformed other months of the year, but before you start planning an arbitrage strategy, that horse has bolted.

Poor start to 2016 is not a bad omen for Australian shares

The beginning of 2016 has not been kind to investors holding Australian shares in their portfolios, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. If you take the recommended long-term view, the poor start is history.

2015 asset class review and 2016 outlook

The best end-of-year wrap of asset class performance in 2015. Aussie equities was a loser but who were the winners, and what's the outlook for each asset class in 2016?

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Investment strategies

Australian stocks will crush housing over the next decade, 2025 edition

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.

Property versus shares - a practical guide for investors

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.

Investment strategies

What if Trump is right?

Trump may be right on two trends: nations are shifting from aspiration to essentials and from global dependence to self-reliance, pushing capital toward security, infrastructure, and energy.

Gold

After a stellar 2025, can gold shine again next year?

Gold has had a remarkable 2025, with the spot price likely to post its strongest return since 1971. This explores the key factors that will shape the outlook for the yellow metal next year, and long-term.

Superannuation

Critics of Commonwealth defined benefit schemes have it wrong

Critics like Clime's John Abernethy have questioned many aspects of defined benefit pensions for public servants. This is an attempted rebuttal, suggesting these pensions aren't the problem they're made out to be.

Infrastructure

Why airport stocks deserve a place in long-term portfolios

Aircraft constraints are holding back global air travel. Those constraints should soon ease which combined with a structural boom in travel demand could be a boon for global airport stocks.

Investment strategies

What is the future of search in the age of AI?

Search is changing fast. AI tools like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini are reshaping how we find information, opening new opportunities for innovation, user engagement, and future revenue growth.

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