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17 April 2026
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The book '1929' tells the story of the great crash and how margin lending played a central role. Investors are once again turning to gearing. Does this put markets at risk?
An inconvenient truth of investing is there often isn’t a definitive right answer for what you should do or what type of investment is ‘best.’ Using your personal circumstances and goals to make trade-offs is critical to success.
Anxiety and volatility cause poor decision making as investors fall back on first order thinking. It is time to slow down decision making.
Many investors are on edge as geopolitical turmoil continues to impact markets, often leading to short-sighted actions. These are the three quotes that I’ve relied on during periods of volatility.
Long term data can be obscured by the frenetic pace of the news cycle. An occasional reminder is helpful.
Is the consensus on AI too conservative? A recent report from Vanguard indicates there will be a greater effect on productivity than most expect. The implication on investors may be profound.
Everyone has something to say about the impact on markets from the war against Iran. Little of this commentary has added much value.
The market seems increasingly jittery with contradictory predictions about AI flooding in daily. An approach to step back and keep focus.
A study of expert investors reveals how we can all achieve better investment returns.
Anxiety continues to rise about the impact of AI. Doomsday scenarios include the demise of previously thriving industries like software and the widespread loss of white-collar jobs. Is the universal basic wage the answer?
This is my last edition as Editor of Firstlinks. I’m moving onto a new role though the newsletter will remain in good hands until my permanent replacement is found.
A new year and another TV streaming price hike as Kayo lifts my premium plan by 15% to $45 a month. It follows a barrage of price rises from competitors. We’re paying a lot for convenience and choice nowadays.
Stay on top of the latest changes to superannuation rates and thresholds for 2026, including increases to transfer balance cap, concessional contributions cap, and non-concessional contributions cap.
The 20 years after Peter Costello left Treasury have been deemed wasted...by Peter Costello. The missed opportunities for Australia began long before.
The Strait of Hormuz closure due to US-Iran conflict severely disrupted global energy supply chains. While various emergency measures mitigated the crude impact, the refined product market faces unprecedented stress.
With the upcoming budget increasingly likely to include bold proposals to alter the tax code I’ve outlined three incremental steps with fewer unintended consequences.
Retirement planning is more than just saving enough money. Long-term care needs, housing choices, and social networks are just as critical for a happy and enjoyable life.
The perceived underperformance of LICs compared to ETFs is due to existing comparison data excluding crucial information, highlighting the need for proper assessment and transparent reporting.