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David Bell

Why academics like lifetime annuities

Life annuities should be beneficial to rational decision-making individuals in retirement, yet in Australia the number of life annuities purchased remains small, albeit with some nascent signs of growth.

Not all lifecycle funds are created equal

There are important features which distinguish the different lifecycle offerings and they can have a significant impact on member outcomes. Rating agencies will need to adapt their processes versus normal balanced funds.

Exciting times in superannuation research

The broad range of research areas and techniques used instill confidence that the academic researcher community will contribute significantly to improving superannuation choices and retirement outcomes in future.

Tax-effective charitable bequests

With some extra thought in estate planning, a bequest to a charity could be made in a more tax-effective way, creating the potential for larger bequests.

Paternalism is not a dirty word

While it would be preferable if disengaged investors became more aware of their superannuation, it is an unrealistic expectation. A degree of paternalism is necessary in the design of defaults.

Simple investment risk management – this is the risk issue we need to talk about

Aspiring to best practices in risk management is not simply a matter of calculating volatility or risk reporting. It is critical to protecting financial outcomes.

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Investment strategies

9 winning investment strategies

There are many ways to invest in stocks, but some strategies are more effective than others. Here are nine tried and tested investment approaches - choosing one of these can improve your chances of reaching your financial goals.

Planning

Super, death and taxes – time to rethink your estate plans?

The $3 million super tax has many rethinking their super strategies, especially issues of wealth transfer on death. This reviews the taxes on super benefits and offers investment alternatives.

Taxation

Raising the GST to 15%

Treasurer Jim Chalmers aims to tackle tax reform but faces challenges. Previous reviews struggled due to political sensitivities, highlighting the need for comprehensive and politically feasible change.

Shares

The megatrend you simply cannot ignore

Markets are reassessing the impact of AI, with initial euphoria giving way to growing scepticism. This shift is evident in the performance of ASX-listed AI beneficiaries, creating potential opportunities.

Gold

Is this the real reason for gold's surge past $3,000?

Concerns over the US fiscal position seem to have overtaken geopolitics and interest rates as the biggest tailwind for gold prices. Even if a debt crisis doesn't seem likely, there could be more support on the way.

Exchange traded products

Is now the time to invest in small caps?

With further RBA rate cuts forecast this year, small caps may be key beneficiaries. There are quality small cap LICs and LITs trading at discounts to net assets, offering opportunities for astute investors.

Strategy

Welcome to the grey war

Forget speculation about a future US-China conflict - it's already happening. Through cyberwarfare and propaganda, China is waging a grey war designed to weaken democracies without firing a single shot.

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