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Graham

Welcome to the Firstlinks Edition 316

If you knew your incoming boss thought something the business does is 'absolutely abhorrent', would you fix it before he arrived? I know I would.

Megan Scott on multitasking in a COO world

The role of Chief Operations Officer is not well understood, but it involves everything from keeping the office running day-to-day to long-term strategic planning, and the ability to multitask is essential.

An easy fix for Dick Smith’s franking problem

Peter Fitzsimons calls franking 'ridiculous' and Dick Smith calls it 'outrageous', but Dick Smith probably receives a significant refund because his Australian share investments are held in a very large SMSF.

Welcome to the Firstlinks Edition 315

If you want to know what financial markets absurdity looks like, check this bond priced last week: Issued by Bundesrepublik Deutschland (Federal Republic of Germany); maturing 15 August 2029 (10 years); with a coupon of 0.000000% fixed (zero, zip, zilch, nada ... any way you cut it); and an issue price of 102.64 (yes, pay 102.64 now and receive 100 in 10 years).

How to generate income without equity risk

In seeking additional income, some type of market risk must be taken to earn above the 2% on term deposits. The listed market now offers a vast array of alternatives not available even a couple of years ago.

SMSF growth slower but future remains strong

Many investors in large funds plan to open their own SMSFs, while trustees of SMSFs are considering the large funds. It’s highly contestable while asset allocations are also changing.

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Shares

Is it time to bail on Australian stocks?

For generations, Australian investors have backed banks, miners and dividends. But has that loyalty come at a cost? A look at the numbers raises an uncomfortable question about where future returns will come from.

Investment strategies

Making a case for the 40 year mortgage

The housing debate tends to focus on prices, interest rates and deposits. Yet an overlooked feature of the mortgage itself could help buyers enter the market sooner without abandoning prudent lending standards.

SMSF strategies

Red flags to watch out for when considering an SMSF

Thinking about an SMSF? Before you sign anything, learn how to spot the difference between genuine advice and a sales pitch, understand the real costs, and avoid the compliance mistakes that attract ATO attention.

Investment strategies

Not all income is created equal

Market conditions are shifting as familiar yield sources quietly lose momentum. Australian public credit may be the most compelling source of income in today's market but many investors haven't noticed the shift. 

Investment strategies

The market paid for change, not comfort

Reporting season has delivered a clear message: the market is no longer paying simply for quality, resilience or an earnings beat. It is paying for change in earnings expectations and the outlook ahead. 

Investment strategies

Will AI destroy investor capital?

Some of history's most important innovations changed the world while leaving investors much poorer. As trillions pour into AI, a familiar pattern may be emerging, one that rewards society far more generously than capital.

ASX reporting season: Signals, surprises, stock stories

August reporting season delivered strong earnings and bigger-than-expected dividends, but beneath this, a more nuanced story emerged. First Sentier Investors’ David Wilson and Christian Guerra unpack the key trends.

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