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Home / Author: Phil Ruthven

Phil Ruthven

Financial assets performance over time

There is no single asset class that consistently outperforms all others year on year but over the long term (>10 years), actively managed asset classes have performed better, and all asset classes have outperformed inflation.

Phil Ruthven
17 October 2018
2

In Australia, who’s got the money?

Income taxes in Australia are over 2.5 times larger than the 'spending' taxes such as GST, excise, and stamp duties. The latest legislation ignored reforms in taxing spending over saving again.

Phil Ruthven AO
5 July 2018

The ascent of Asia and what it means for Australia

Asia's GDP exceeds North America and Europe combined, and its increasing economic power should be embraced by Australia as we become more a Eurasian society. Are we enlightened enough to grab the opportunities?

Phil Ruthven AO
23 November 2017
4

Where do our wealth and jobs come from?

There's no doubt Australians love property, especially housing, and despite slowing economic growth and a lack of political leadership, the business sector continues to create Australian wealth and jobs.

Phil Ruthven AO
24 August 2017
2

What matters most? A good industry or a good management?

The surprising fact from this study of profitability is that there’s no such thing as a ‘bad’ industry, only inadequate or inappropriate management.

Phil Ruthven AO
18 May 2017
1

Is the housing market in bubble territory?

Everyone from the Reserve Bank Governor down is talking about apartment prices, and worrying about the consequences for the economy, and especially our banks. How does Australia's leading futurist interpret the data?

Phil Ruthven AO
20 October 2016
5

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Exchange traded products

It’s time for LICs to die

A high-profile dividend cut and a prominent fund manager’s apology have reignited a long-running debate. If investors can access similar exposures more cheaply and efficiently elsewhere, what exactly is keeping LICs alive?

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Taxation

Will investors be better or worse off under new housing tax changes?

Housing tax reforms have sparked warnings of market turmoil and promises of greater fairness. But after modelling nearly two decades of property data, the results suggest winners and losers may not be who many investors expect.

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30 September 2026
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Retirement

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Many retirees hope to leave a legacy. Proposed trust tax reforms could force families to rethink. The question is not how much to leave behind, but whether today's inheritance plans will still make sense as circumstances change.

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30 September 2026
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Investment strategies

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Neil Rogan
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Conditions were stacked in favour of professional investors in 2026. Most still fell short, raising questions about where investors should look for value. Meanwhile, an alternative strategy continued to make its case.

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Investment strategies

Bleeding air out of the bubble

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Tony Dillon
30 September 2026
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