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Warren Bird

What’s that UBS bond benchmark in the annual statements?

There's an interesting history of state and federal government finances and innovative merchant bankers behind the UBS bond index often found in annual statements from fund managers.

Beyond the hype, a beginner’s guide to QE

We read about Quantitative Easing and tapering every day, but what are they and do they work? Should we worry about them? One thing is for sure - both subjects will be with us for many years to come.

An insider's view of the last financial crisis

It's easy to forget how severe the GFC was in destroying confidence and locking up markets. There was a genuine fear that the world was such a toxic place that no credit could be trusted.

Managing credit risk requires healthy dose of cynicism

In the world of credit risk, you need to understand the capacity of the borrower to pay what they’ve promised, then assume that they will let you down anyway and avoid concentrating your portfolio.

Give this risk the credit it deserves

The risk that bond investors should be most concerned about is credit risk. Market risk does not produce a permanent loss of capital, and higher yields result in increasing returns over time.

A fixed interest guy’s take on share market volatility

Simple maths helps explain why the share market is so volatile. It’s not that it’s an irrational, casino-like beast that bucks and dives for no good reason. It’s a long duration market reacting to changes.

Latest Updates

Superannuation

Do super funds need a massive wake up call?

UK retirement expert, Guy Opperman, believes super funds are failing at supporting members in deaccumulation. Here is what Australia should do about it. 

Retirement

Sequencing risk resurfaces for retirees

A retirement strategy must consider how both the timing of cash flows and the sequence of returns impact the final dollar outcome from which a retirement is funded.

SMSF strategies

Meg on SMSFs: Payday super – why should SMSF members even care?

Not filing your SMSF annual return on time can mean missed contributions under the new Payday super regulation. 

Strategy

There will be no permanent underclass

Worries about AI causing mass job loss are misguided. Far from creating a permanent underclass, Like other technological innovations AI will improve living standards around the world.

Taxation

Reforming the taxation of wealth and wealth transfers

As the budget approaches debate continues about the need and method for addressing wealth inequality. Could reinstating wealth transfer taxes be the answer?

Investment strategies

The biggest oil shock in history. Why isn't the price higher?

While increases in oil prices are dominating media coverage of the turmoil in the Middle-East it is worth exploring why prices haven't gone up more. 

Financial planning

Structured giving's new moment

A big year for philanthropy has seen multiple tax changes impact the approach donors are taking. For those with the intention to give generously there is a third structure available in the structured giving landscape.

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