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Chris Stott

Four key themes to emerge from Asia’s pre-eminent investment conference

An investment conference attended by thousands of leaders from industry and finance points the way to future investment trends.

LICs: Traders versus investors for tax purposes

The ATO distinguishes between LICs, deeming some as investors for tax purposes and some as traders for tax purposes. This distinction has implications for the way dividends are sourced and capital gains are treated.

CEO appointments: internal or external?

The merit of appointing an internal or external CEO depends on the company's circumstances. Internal appointments tend to be more successful, although alignment of interests with shareholders is critical.

Is there an ideal minimum investment in a portfolio?

There is no correct answer to the maximum or minimum amount of exposure to a single company in a portfolio, but liquidity, risk and costs play into the decision.

8 factors to consider when assessing LICs

There are now almost 100 Listed Investment Companies, but they are not created equally. There are important differentiating features that should be considered before choosing where to invest.

Insider sales can be a powerful warning

Purchases and sales of shares in their own company by directors and executives can be a powerful sign of the future potential within a company and should be monitored closely.

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SMSF strategies

Meg on SMSFs: How wide is the ban on LRBAs?

The government's recent deal with the Greens has put SMSF property borrowing on the chopping block. The change raises tricky questions about timing, exceptions and what SMSFs will still be able to buy.

Shares

Why Australian shares are falling behind the world

Australia’s market boasts a long record of outperformance, but recent results tell a different story. Is the ASX’s lagging performance a temporary setback or evidence that structural forces will keep global markets ahead?

Taxation

The strange effect of the 30% minimum capital gains tax

The 30% minimum tax on capital gains sits at the heart of the budget's proposed reforms. Yet the mechanics reveal anomalies that introduce unexpected distortions that raise questions about its design.

Shares

The next phase of Australian equity leadership

For years, banks have powered Australian sharemarket returns. But changing economic conditions, stretched valuations and global trends suggest the next generation of winners may not be found in familiar domestic sectors.

Economy

Global market growth hinges on Iran War and AI rollout

Global growth is facing mounting pressure from war, higher oil prices, inflation and trade tensions. But a wave of AI-related investment may prove powerful enough to support economic activity and reshape the outlook for markets.

Retirement

The retirees who can't spend

Why do so many retirees pass away with their wealth intact? Conventional wisdom blames pension rules for the reluctance to spend, but a case study from New Zealand shows that the answer may not be as predictable.

Investment strategies

Here’s my investment philosophy. What’s yours?

Investors often hear they need an “investment philosophy,” yet few know what that really means. Beneath the jargon sits a simple idea: a handful of core beliefs that shape every financial decision, for better or worse.

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