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Graham

Welcome to the Firstlinks Edition 314

Strange times indeed. Despite US and Australian equity markets near all-time highs and superannuation funds enjoying record inflows, the wealth industry is undergoing a severe overhaul. Unprecedented numbers of fund managers are not only struggling but closing their doors.

10 reasons many fund managers are now blank spaces

Where once the name plates of exciting new fund managers proudly displayed, now there are blank spaces. What is happening in the industry that so many talented people are closing the doors?

Nathan Hughes on consistency in strange markets

Regardless of how a fund manager is performing, it's vital to have the confidence in a long-term set of rules that have stood the test of time through many markets, including recognising SRI principles.

Welcome to the Firstlinks Newsletter Edition 313

Most investors enjoyed the strong sharemarket recovery in the second half of 2018/2019, with the All Ords Index up a wonderful 19.8% including dividends after a shaky December quarter.

Welcome to the Firstlinks Newsletter Edition 312

Today is 27 June and 30 June is a Sunday, so take a few minutes to think about EOFY actions. From Monday, unless they receive a member request, super funds will cancel insurance on small accounts which have been inactive for 16 months. Also, bring forward expenses for a tax deduction this year.

James Maydew on how demographics drives real estate

Managing listed real estate investments on a global basis allows opportunities to be taken anywhere, and as demographics affects property, move into different sectors and countries. But ultimately, all property is local.

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Weekly Editorial

Welcome to Firstlinks Edition 628

Australian investors have been pouring money into US stocks this year, just as they start to underperform the rest of the world. Is this a sign of things to come? This looks at 50 years of data to see what happens next.

  • 11 September 2025
Exchange traded products

Are LICs licked?

LICs are continuing to struggle with large discounts and frustrated investors are wondering whether it’s worth holding onto them. This explains why the next 6-12 months will be make or break for many LICs.

Retirement

We need a better scheme to help superannuation victims

The Compensation Scheme of Last Resort fails families hit by First Guardian and Shield losses, as well as advisers who are being wrongly blamed for the saga. It’s time for a fair, faster, universal super levy solution.

Investment strategies

5 charts every retiree must see…

Retirement can be daunting for Australians facing financial uncertainty. Understand your goals, longevity challenges, inflation impacts, market risks, and components of retirement income with these crucial charts.

Economy

How bread vs rice moulded history

Does a country's staple crop decide elements of its destiny? The second order effects of being a wheat or rice growing country could explain big differences in culture, societal norms and economic development.

Investment strategies

Small caps are catching fire - for good reason

Small caps just crashed the party like John McClane did in the movie, Die Hard - August delivered explosive gains. With valuations at historic lows, long-term investors could be set for a sequel worth watching.

Defensive growth for an age of deglobalisation, debt and disorder

Today’s new world order appears likely to lead to a lower return, higher risk investment environment. But this asset class looks especially well placed to survive, thrive, and deliver attractive returns to investors.

Economy

Will we choose a four-day working week?

The allure of a four-day week reflects a yearning for more balance in our lives. Yet the reliability of studies touting a lift in productivity is questionable and society may not be ready for such a shift anyway.

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