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Home / Author: David Bell

David Bell

Competing for alpha

The term 'alpha' may be financial jargon, but for fund managers, it's the highly sought-after prize for successful active management that justifies fees charged. But how do you select a good manager?

Misplaced focus on high yielding stocks in retirement

High yielding stocks are often seen as the silver bullet for retirement plans. But in many circumstances the focus on income overlooks the need to consider return and risk in any investment decision.

Momentum of winning and losing share prices

A simple strategy of backing prior winners and shorting prior losers has outperformed again in 2015, supporting arguments for 'momentum' investing. It's an example of a factor that can be used across a portfolio.

Risk aversion in practice in large funds and SMSFs

Financial risk aversion defines our attitudes to taking financial risk. Your style of risk aversion could be relative or absolute or a bit of both. It's good to recognise your own tendencies for the benefit of your portfolio.

Grattan’s Super Savings flawed but essential reading

The Grattan Institute’s recent paper on reducing costs associated with superannuation is a reflective read for all executives and trustees of super funds in Australia, but is it the time right for these changes?

A sombre reflection on financial literacy

People with low levels of financial literacy have a greater likelihood of making financial mistakes, including being misled or defrauded. The financial services industry should work to address this.

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Investment strategies

Putting portfolios together when the world is falling apart

Global equity markets have grown more correlated due to globalization, but this trend may reverse which boosts the benefits of cross-country diversification.

Property

Housing belongs in the inequality story

Research highlights the significant impact of excluding housing income from income inequality analysis in Australia, arguing for the inclusion of imputed rent and capital gains to provide a more accurate picture.

Exchange traded products

Lithium's rally is real this time – but no-one trusts it

The lithium rally mirrors the early-2010s tech stock surge, with demand set to double by 2030. Supply has been slow to respond, creating a market deficit for future tech like humanoid robotics and solid-state batteries.

Economy

Why is Aussie inflation so stubborn?

Increasing our official cash rate contrasts with almost every other developed country in the world. Canada, UK, Europe, and USA, so far, have not reversed recent cuts while their inflation issues appear to be contained.

Strategy

How to stop Australian democracy going the way of the US

Around the world, democracy as a system of government is backsliding. After more than 50 years of liberal democracy in ascendancy, democratic progress plateaued around the turn of the century and is now going backwards.

Economy

Off-budget, but not off-the hook

Financial commentators await the federal budget with focus on debt and deficit. 'Off-budget' accounting alters the fiscal picture with unseen programs.

Economy

Shares rebound on hopes of war ending, but stalemate the likely outcome

Ashley Owen's abridged monthly snapshot uncovers what is front of mind for investors around the world and his view on the likely outcome of the stand-off in the Middle East.

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