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Jonathan Rochford

What is 'cash' and why it matters

APRA’s letter to super funds highlights concerns about 'cash' investments. A lack of understanding might haunt investors when the next downturn comes as too many people forsake protection for yield.

Emerging markets: Nothing new under the sun

As interest rates fell in recent years, there was a push into emerging markets debt, but as worldwide central bank stimulus reduces, many of these 'emerging' countries are showing why they are poorly rated.

High yield downturn will be long and ugly

The high yield debt market is now much larger and riskier than just before the GFC. That doesn’t bode well for when the next downturn happens and investors have several options to de-risk.

Bond demand is dumb, dumber and dumbest

A sign that the strong credit cycle is ending is the funding of some emerging market governments that are more than likely to default, but demand is driven by desire for yield regardless of risk.

Watch the low returns on 'high yield' debt

Investors seeking yield need to watch the margin contraction on so-called 'high yield' debt, especially since the protective covenants are weaker than in the past.

Harvard shows pitfalls of internal funds management

Bringing funds management in-house is a popular move for large Australian super funds, but the potential problems have been highlighted by Harvard, an early pioneer of the practice, returning to outsourcing.

Latest Updates

Retirement

2 billion reasons to fix retirement income

A proposal to address Australia's 'stranded balances' in retirement by requiring super funds to transition members to pension phase at 65, boosting retirement income and reframing super as a source of income.

Investment strategies

Not much alpha left in this bet

Google redefined advertising with its innovative business model, but its dominance is now under siege from AI competitors and shifting market dynamics.

Five simple reasons why Australian cash rates are highest

Australians are suffering the highest cash rates amongst their rich country peers for five simple reasons, including outdated inflation targeting and undisciplined monetary and fiscal policies.

Investment strategies

Spending big on AI: So where’s the proof it’s working?

Business leaders must reassess AI's return on investment using new frameworks that reflect productivity, capability shifts and long-term value creation.

Economy

Double down on renewables?

Global volatility has sharpened Australia's focus on energy security. Calls for domestic fuel production clash with renewable energy goals, sparking a debate on balancing traditional and sustainable energy sources effectively.

Investment strategies

Private Credit headwinds move onshore

It’s been a volatile couple of months in markets with the ongoing conflict in Iran. For Australian private credit investors, however, large exposures to real estate lending could mean the worst is yet to come.

Property

Five reasons unlisted commercial property is an attractive allocation in uncertain times

Cromwell takes a look at replacement cost as a practical lens on relative value in commercial property. When build-new costs rise faster than asset pricing, the gap can create opportunities in well-located existing assets.

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