Register For Our Mailing List

Register to receive our free weekly newsletter including editorials.

Register

2 July 2026

Home / Author: RQI Investors

RQI Investors

Lessons from the Quant Winter

The quant winter was a two‑year period from 2018-20 when quant funds underperformed. This was largely a Developed Markets effect, with Australia also affected. In the last few years we've seen strong quant factor performance which raises the question of whether a quant winter could recur.

Corporate culture: Do companies that talk the talk also walk the walk?

Getting corporate culture right can be a powerful tool for any company and an important dimension for firm value. While intrinsically important for companies, it is notoriously difficult to measure.

Extreme concentration and its implications for equity investors – Addendum

This paper extends RQI's recent research on extreme concentration, turning to the Australian and Emerging Markets (EM) experiences. It aims to provide evidence that Australia and EMs do not show the same recent upward trend in concentration as the US.

Extreme concentration and its implications for equity investors

Concentration in equity markets has reached unprecedented levels, particularly in the US. A select few mega-cap stocks now dominate market indices, reflecting a convergence of technological innovation, speculative enthusiasm, and the allure of generative AI.

A deep dive into profitability

This report examines the characteristics and trend of a well-known measure of quality - Profitability. It discusses the reasons why it is a useful measure and why it might be persistent through time.

Firstlinks is sponsored by:

Latest Updates

SMSF strategies

Meg on SMSFs: How wide is the ban on LRBAs?

The government's recent deal with the Greens has put SMSF property borrowing on the chopping block. The change raises tricky questions about timing, exceptions and what SMSFs will still be able to buy.

Shares

Why Australian shares are falling behind the world

Australia’s market boasts a long record of outperformance, but recent results tell a different story. Is the ASX’s lagging performance a temporary setback or evidence that structural forces will keep global markets ahead?

Taxation

The strange effect of the 30% minimum capital gains tax

The 30% minimum tax on capital gains sits at the heart of the budget's proposed reforms. Yet the mechanics reveal anomalies that introduce unexpected distortions that raise questions about its design.

Shares

The next phase of Australian equity leadership

For years, banks have powered Australian sharemarket returns. But changing economic conditions, stretched valuations and global trends suggest the next generation of winners may not be found in familiar domestic sectors.

Economy

Global market growth hinges on Iran War and AI rollout

Global growth is facing mounting pressure from war, higher oil prices, inflation and trade tensions. But a wave of AI-related investment may prove powerful enough to support economic activity and reshape the outlook for markets.

Retirement

The retirees who can't spend

Why do so many retirees pass away with their wealth intact? Conventional wisdom blames pension rules for the reluctance to spend, but a case study from New Zealand shows that the answer may not be as predictable.

Investment strategies

Here’s my investment philosophy. What’s yours?

Investors often hear they need an “investment philosophy,” yet few know what that really means. Beneath the jargon sits a simple idea: a handful of core beliefs that shape every financial decision, for better or worse.

Register here to receive the Firstlinks newsletter for free

Sponsors

Alliances

Site Map

About Firstlinks

© 2026 Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer
The data, research and opinions provided here are for information purposes; are not an offer to buy or sell a security; and are not warranted to be correct, complete or accurate. Morningstar, its affiliates, and third-party content providers are not responsible for any investment decisions, damages or losses resulting from, or related to, the data and analyses or their use. To the extent any content is general advice, it has been prepared for clients of Morningstar Australasia Pty Ltd (ABN: 95 090 665 544, AFSL: 240892), without reference to your financial objectives, situation or needs. For more information refer to our Financial Services Guide. You should consider the advice in light of these matters and if applicable, the relevant Product Disclosure Statement before making any decision to invest. Past performance does not necessarily indicate a financial product’s future performance. To obtain advice tailored to your situation, contact a professional financial adviser. Articles are current as at date of publication.
This website contains information and opinions provided by third parties. Inclusion of this information does not necessarily represent Morningstar’s positions, strategies or opinions and should not be considered an endorsement by Morningstar.