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14 October 2025
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Why invest in bonds?, the work test for SMSFs, engagement with lifecycle funds, responsible investing for retail investors, investment management ethics, global investment opportunities, and the changes to the assets test explained.
A common observation at the moment is that if interest rates ‘can only go up’, why hold bonds? While prices fall as rates rise, there is a role for various maturities in a diversified portfolio.
Not all superannuation is the same. When making contributions after turning 65, it seems the rule for the work test is different for SMSFs and public funds.
Engaging people with their superannuation is the holy grail for the wealth management industry. Lifecycle funds can help take the customer on a long term journey provided the communication is good.
Banks are walking away from resources projects, super funds are dumping stocks based on human rights issues and climate change related shareholder resolutions are gaining wide support.
A virtuous life is one of aspiration – to be good, to be fulfilled, and to make a contribution. Ethics is not about doing your duty reluctantly, but rather asking the confronting question: what do I want to be remembered for?
Investing in global opportunities allows a portfolio to benefit from trends and industries that are not available in Australia, and even when a company is listed here, it may be cheaper overseas.
LICs are continuing to struggle with large discounts and frustrated investors are wondering whether it’s worth holding onto them. This explains why the next 6-12 months will be make or break for many LICs.
Younger Australians think they’ll need $100k a year in retirement - nearly double what current retirees spend. Expectations are rising fast, but are they realistic or just another case of lifestyle inflation?
This week, I got the news that my mother has dementia. It came shortly after my father received the same diagnosis. This is a meditation on getting old and my regrets in not getting my parents’ affairs in order sooner.
Retirement can be daunting for Australians facing financial uncertainty. Understand your goals, longevity challenges, inflation impacts, market risks, and components of retirement income with these crucial charts.
Five mega trends point to risks of a more inflation prone and lower growth environment. This, along with rich market valuations, should constrain medium term superannuation returns to around 5% per annum.
With rising home prices and falling affordability, political leaders preach reform. But asset disclosures show many are heavily invested in property - raising doubts about whose interests housing policy really protects.