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Thursday, 2 April 2020
Recently trending Why we’re not buying the market yetDrawdown reductions needed for retirees - UPDATED POLICYWhat are the possible economic effects of COVID-19 on the world economy?How $200 billion is magically createdNote to Australia: be more French in the COVID-19 war
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Businesses and directors must take steps to deal with new restrictions as a result of COVID-19. Here are six actions all companies should consider in these trying times.
The bushfire response shows we can be generous and compassionate, and we need to realise our species depends for its survival on a willingness to co-operate, not simply compete.
Our sincere thanks for the amazing personal stories of how wealth was built by hard work or where some were not as fortunate. Another 600 readers have taken part in the survey since the last update.
Understanding demographics is vital for successful planning and investing for the future. What is happening on population growth, ageing, natural increases, immigration and our role in Asia?
Algorithms and AI are increasingly entering our lives, with the belief they make impartial judgements. But it's a myth that they are unbiased, efficient and better decision-makers than humans.
Firstlinks publishes hundreds of articles a year, and Chris Cuffe has selected from the most popular, especially those shining a light on issues the wealth industry must face up to in future.
When Barack Obama puts out a reading list with 19 of his favourites from 2019, it makes us realise we should spend more time reading books. Plus Morningstar's experts recall 2019 and preview 2020.
While every generation has its unique opportunities, the majority of Firstlinks readers agree that Boomers have had a better run than others. But the real highlights here are in the comments.
Links to dozens of global media articles that often do not receive mainstream coverage in Australia. Some links are sceptical, fun or pointed, while others challenge consensus and accepted wisdom.
First Sentier Investors is the new name for Colonial First State Global Asset Management, completing the separation from CBA. It's the end of an era for the business Chris Cuffe led for 14 years.
Many people put months of effort into planning a foreign trip, only to leave FX transactions to the last minute, including the worst sin of changing currency at the airport. There are better ways.
Super is reducing reliance on the age pension for the majority of people entering retirement. Most newly-retired Australians are not accessing the age pension at all, and only 25% of 66-year-olds are drawing a full age pension.
The Australian market bounced back last Friday (13th) and Monday (16th) tempting analysts to call the bottom of the coronavirus scare. This is too early as the impact on companies is not yet evident.
During the GFC, in the face of rapid falls in super balances, the minimum drawdowns required for pensions were reduced by 50% to help preserve overall retirement savings. It's time for a repeat.
In a widely-quoted scenario using estimated attack and fatality rates of coronavirus, about 0.07% of the population of the US dies. That's about 230,000 people, which the market is not ready for.
Australia is in a relatively good position to borrow $200 billion, with the RBA using printed money to buy bonds in the market. The long-term consequences are better than the alternative.
Andrew Baker is well-known as a superannuation consultant. Now working in the UK, he was caught in France with his family and is in lockdown. He worries Australian policy was too slow.
This detailed analysis of infections, deaths, drugs and vaccines includes an optimistic scenario: perhaps US and Australian infection numbers will peak in early to mid-April with a decline after.