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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.

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Investing

Finding the best income-yielding assets

With fixed term deposit rates declining and bank hybrids being phased out, what are the best options for investors seeking income? This goes through the choices, and the opportunities and risks involved.

Shares

What history reveals about market corrections and crashes

The S&P 500's recent correction raises concerns about a bear market. History shows corrections are driven by high rates, unemployment, or global shocks, and that there's reason for optimism for nervous investors today. 

Shares

The ASX is full of old, stodgy, low-growth companies

Eight of the ASX's top 10 stocks are more than a hundred years old, while in the US there's just one. It points to our market being filled with low-growth dinosaurs compared to the US where innovation and renewal rule.

Retirement

Time to review the family home's exemption from Age Pension test

Improving housing mobility in Australia is crucial for enhancing both individual well-being and the economy. Potential reforms include ensuring greater rental security and incentivising downsizing among older homeowners.

Superannuation

Death benefits from super don't need to be this complicated

This may surprise you, but a person's super balance does not automatically form part of their estate. A simple change could bring greater certainty to Australians, quicker payouts for families, and lower super fees.

Economy

The RBA deserves kudos for a job well done

Over the past few years, the Reserve Bank of Australia has been subjected to a blizzard of criticism. Yet, despite its flaws, it may just have engineered that rarest of beasts: the fabled soft economic landing.

Investing

Asia deserves a closer look from investors

As part of their global exposure, Australian investors typically allocate most to Developed Markets equities, and a smaller portion to Emerging Markets. This looks at the latter position and whether there might be a better way.

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