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David Bell

It’s a new year: let’s save more, not procrastinate

The intention to save more is common, but it's often easier to procrastinate. There are useful techniques the wealth industry should consider to overcome this reluctance to save, to everyone's benefit.

Too much jam: the consequences of choice overload

It's too simple to assume that more choice is better for consumers and investors. It can lead to indecision and inaction, and yet some platforms persist in adding dozens of funds each year to an already vast range.

Do clients understand what advisers are saying?

Financial literacy levels in Australia and around the world are worryingly low, which impacts the way financial advice is received and understood. Is the message getting through, or should advisers give clients this simple test?

ASIC’s focus on hedge funds may miss bigger picture

By focussing specifically on hedge fund disclosure, ASIC has missed an opportunity to address the bigger picture of investor protection in a world of complex investments.

Behavioural reasons why we ignore life annuities

Life annuities is a product with theoretical appeal but it does not gather significant market acceptance. These behavioural reasons need to be addressed before substantial increases in sales occur.

Why we overlook lifetime annuities

Lifetime annuities have some attractive features but remain neglected by most retirees. There are rational reasons for this, which the annuity industry has to overcome if the product is to address more longevity worries.

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Investment strategies

War can’t be good, can it?

War brings immense human suffering and geopolitical chaos, but historically, equity markets have shown a certain detachment and resilience amid conflict, leading to increased profitability despite initial panic.

Property

Origins of the mislabeled capital gains tax ‘discount’

Debate over the CGT discount is intensifying amid concerns about intergenerational equity and housing affordability. This analysis shows that the 'discount' does not necessarily favor property investors.

Superannuation

Div 296 may mean your estate pays tax on assets your beneficiaries never receive

The new super tax, applying from 1 July, introduces more than just a higher rate on large balances. It brings into focus a misalignment between where wealth sits and where the tax on that wealth ultimately falls.

Investment strategies

There’s more to software than just code

AI-driven fears of collapsing software moats has triggered indiscriminate sell-offs. This has created mispricing opportunities as markets overreact to uncertainty and rising discount rates.

Economics

Europe: A new growth trajectory powered by reform and investment

Europe is undergoing a major transformation driven by security threats, US pressure, and a shift from austerity to growth. EU member states are taking proactive measures to enhance competitiveness and resilience.

Investment strategies

Orbital AI data centers prepare for launch

The new space race is driven by AI as data centers in space offer continuous solar power and reduced environmental impact. Orbital AI aims to speed data processing and ease Earth's resource strains.

Retirement

Little‑known government scheme can help retirees tap into $3 trillion of housing wealth

The Home Equity Access Scheme in Australia allows older homeowners to tap into their home equity for retirement income, yet remains underused due to lack of awareness and its perceived complexity.

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