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7 January 2026

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Edition: 152

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Edition 152

  • 22 April 2016

It's common to see products called conservative, defensive, balanced, diversified or moderate. What are the differences? The one I dislike most for its potential to mislead is 'defensive'. An allocation to bonds can lose money if rates rise or spreads widen, and cash is not much comfort at negative real returns. Whether defensive is true to label depends on market conditions.

Don't be misled by investment classifications

Investment terms such as 'defensive', 'growth' and 'risk' are used heavily by professionals and retail investors alike, but these words can be misleading as they depend on the context and investors' goals.

’Short selling’ and the Australian banks

Hedge funds have been short selling Australian banks for a while now, mainly due to perceptions about the property market. However, it is not house prices but unemployment that matters most for bank prosperity.

ETFs playing bigger role for investors

The latest Exchange Traded Funds Report highlights the growing popularity and demand for ETFs from investors and advisers. It also flags an opportunity for actively-managed exchange traded funds in the coming year.

Landmines in the Field of Dreams

It matters little if you are invested in property, shares or bonds, we have moved into a lower return environment. It's a time for caution in a world where debt and defaults are rising.

A tax-effective complement to super

Superannuation’s current tax benefits are far from certain given the government’s need for more revenue. Changes are likely to increase the competitiveness of investment bonds (sometimes called insurance bonds).

The time has come for actuaries

The unique and practical skills of actuaries will be essential for the superannuation industry to tackle such complex issues as providing adequate retirement outcomes and effectively managing big data.

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