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David Bell

'Utility function' research wins Retirement Innovation Award

The superannuation industry is facing a retirement outcome challenge, which is driving the need to develop products, strategies and solutions that better reflect members’ objectives and preferences.

Productivity Commission: super efficiency but at what cost?

Government-sponsored reviews often focus on costs and efficiencies because they are easier to measure, but far greater gains can be made if the super system is encouraged to innovate, even if it comes with costs.

Governments fund more research than we realise

It's laudable for government to fund important research but for it to really make a difference, industry participants and researchers need to engage and collaborate with the other. Research on ageing is a case in point.

A defining year for super requires your input

An appeal for interested parties to contribute to the government's discussion paper on post-retirement products, now called 'MyRetirement' solutions, to be offered within the superannuation system.

Market winners outperform losers again

In this update of the 'winners versus losers' investment hypothesis, momentum is the winner - again. It's only a 'paper' portfolio but it suggests consistent behavioural biases among investors.

Should much of our financial advice be outlawed?

Highly respected author and academic David Blake makes a compelling case for a major overhaul of financial advice, especially the way in which projected outcomes are communicated to investors.

Latest Updates

Taxation

13 ways to save money on your tax - legally

Thoughtful tax planning is a cornerstone of successful investing. This highlights 13 legal ways that you can reduce tax, preserve capital, and enhance long-term wealth across super, property, and shares.

Taxation

Taking from the young, giving to the old

Despite soaring retiree wealth, public spending on older Australians continues to rise. The result: retirees now out-earn the young, exposing structural flaws in the tax system and challenges for fiscal sustainability.

Investment strategies

An obsessive focus on costs may be costing investors

As a relentless fee war grips Australia’s ETF market, investors may be missing the real battleground. Beyond basis points, index design itself - not cost - may be the most powerful driver of returns.

Taxation

Clearing up confusion on how franking credits work

It seems the mere mention of franking credits generates a lot of heat but not much light. Here's a guide to how franking credits work, and the impact they have on both companies and shareholders.

Investment strategies

Are the good times about to end?

As the bull market revs up, some investors worry about a possible correction. History shows the real question isn’t timing the top, but whether you have the time and liquidity to ride out inevitable downturns.

Superannuation

Australia slips in global pension ranking

The 2025 Mercer CFA Institute Global Pension Index shows Australia has dropped to its lowest ranking in the 17 years of the index. This explores why we're falling and what can be done about it.

Property

Where wine country meets real estate

High-profile wine regions don’t always see strong property growth - volume, exports, and infrastructure investment often matter more than reputation in driving regional property markets.

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