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6 January 2026
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Fixed income remains well positioned in the face of a challenging market environment, but global diversification is as critical as it has ever been.
Resilience begins with being aware of where you have come from compared to where you are now and adjusting portfolios accordingly. This means moderating return expectations and eschewing more risk to make up for the reduced market beta.
Soaring policy rates have made cash a competitive asset again, prompting an overdue de-rating of risk assets. But just because yields are higher, that doesn’t mean risk is lower.
Two words come to mind when describing fixed income markets at present: volatility and uncertainty. The macro factors influencing the current environment include COVID's legacy, war in Ukraine, high inflation, tightening monetary policy and a strong dollar.
With equity valuations at all-time highs, fixed income yields at or near historic lows and volatility top of mind for investors, the emerging market debt (EMD) asset class may warrant a closer look for Australian investors.
The markets are awash in crosscurrents, so it’s critical to focus on what’s material and filter out market noise. When things get complicated, it's helpful to try to simplify them.
At this time last year, I forecast that 2025 would likely be a positive year given strong economic prospects and disinflation. The outlook for this year is less clear cut and here is what investors should do.
Much has been made of how US markets, especially the NASDAQ, have significantly outperformed the ASX over the past two decades. History suggests the pendulum will swing back once again in Australia's favour.
What is the X-Factor - the largely unexpected influence that wasn’t thought about when the year began but came from left field to have powerful effects on investment returns - for 2025? It's time to select the winner.
What is progress? Is it GDP growth? Increasing wealth? New and improving technology? This argues that our measure of progress has become warped, and we're heading backwards rather than forwards.
Summer is a great time to catch up on a good book. Here is a list of books on leadership, investing, and well-being for those looking to learn, reflect, and gain inspiration over the holiday season.