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28 February 2026
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Dominant news sources, negative gearing and wealth creation, protecting digital information, adapting to fintech, bank capital requirements, SuperStream and Hamish Douglass on successful investing.
A survey of the financial news viewing habits of senior finance professionals shows online sources are the most popular, especially trade publications. Mainstream media has been sidelined as a principal source.
The majority of Australians using negative gearing earn less than $80,000 a year, and it's part of a long term wealth creation strategy that should be encouraged, especially with such uncertainty about pensions and super.
A cautionary tale to remind us that the authentic-looking email from that authentic company we deal with may not be friendly at all. This is what a ransomware virus can do after a moment's lack of care.
Fintechs are often viewed as disruptive to traditional financial services businesses, but in reality they present great opportunities for savvy organisations, especially within wealth and asset management.
The implications for hybrids, bank margins and bank fees from the increase in the risk-weighting of residential mortgages and learning our banks are not top quartile among the capital levels of global banks.
For small employers (19 or fewer employees), 1 July 2015 marked the start of SuperStream. Although you have until 30 June 2016 to make the change, you should start preparing now.
Video: Bill Gross on what makes startups successful. No 1 is timing.
A common belief in the SMSF world is that investors don’t have anything like enough overseas exposure, but Graham Hand has investigated the issue and found that the supposed 0.5 per cent offshore weighting of Australian SMSFs is a dramatic understatement.
The renowned investor says 2025’s real story wasn’t AI or US stocks but the shift away from American assets and a collapse in the value of money. And he outlines how to best position portfolios for what’s ahead.
The post-World War Two economic system is unravelling, leading to huge shifts in currency, bond and commodity markets, yet stocks seem oblivious to the chaos. This looks to history as a guide for what’s next.
Our cost-of-living pressures go beyond the RBA: surging house prices, excessive migration, and expanding government programs, including the NDIS, are fuelling inflation, demanding bold, structural solutions.
The capital gains tax discount is under review, but debate should go beyond its size. Its original purpose, design flaws and distortions suggest Australia could adopt a better, more targeted approach.
A more rational taxation system that supports home ownership but discourages asset speculation could provide greater financial support to first home buyers.
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.