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Edition: 142

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Edition 142

  • 12 February 2016

These jittery markets remind us how difficult it is to estimate how much anyone needs in superannuation. Few people know how long they will live and what returns they will achieve, and wealth is also held outside of super. It's not surprising that recent CSIRO research shows most retirees only draw down the mandated minimums on their pensions, as they live on other resources and attempt to preserve their super.

Safe withdrawal rates for Australian retirees

The notion of the '4% rule' for drawing retirement income was devised in a much different economic environment than today. 'Safe' withdrawal rates may not be safe enough if certainty is required.

How to read RBA interest rate decisions

The RBA follows a fairly standard formula when drafting its interest rate announcements each month and a keen observer might detect a change in view before an actual change in interest rates.

Do 'January' results foretell the full year for equities?

A final look at the 'January effect' to analyse whether the market's first month performance predicts the share market's likely year-end returns, and why Australia is different from the US.

China’s paradigm shift and why I’m (still) cautiously bullish

Recent economic volatility in China could signal an important social shift - one which could actually drive China’s future growth and transform the country’s economic model.

The merits of reversionary versus non-reversionary pensions

Due to the complexity of superannuation law, it can be easy for SMSF trustees to miss out on some opportunities, including the use of reversionary pensions for tax and estate planning benefits.

Hello from the other side of Asia

Sri Lanka, Bali and Singapore do not receive the focus of their Asian neighbours in China, India and Japan, but they are undergoing fascinating changes which warrant a closer and more personal visit.

Most viewed in recent weeks

How cutting the CGT discount could help rebalance housing market

A more rational taxation system that supports home ownership but discourages asset speculation could provide greater financial support to first home buyers.

3 ways to fix Australia’s affordability crisis

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.

Is there a better way to reform the CGT discount?

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.

Want your loved ones to inherit your super? You can’t afford to skip this one step

One in five Australians die before retirement and most have not set up their super properly so their loved ones can benefit from all their hard work and savings. 

Welcome to Firstlinks Edition 648 with weekend update

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.

  • 5 February 2026

Super is catching up, but ageing is a triple-threat

An ageing Australia is shifting the superannuation system’s focus from accumulation to the lifecycle of retirement. While these pressures have been anticipated for decades, they are now converging at scale and driving widespread industry change.

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