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Australia's retirement system works brilliantly for some - but not all Australian stocks will crush housing over the next decade, 2025 edition The 3 biggest residential property myths AFIC on the speculative ASX boom, opportunities, and LIC discounts Where to hide in the ‘everything bubble’

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Edition 177

14 October 2016

SMSF numbers continue to grow strongly, with new funds opening at the rate of about 3,000 a month. Their success is a surprise even to super's principal architect, former Prime Minister, Paul Keating. He wrote in the second edition of Cuffelinks, "I never expected SMSFs to become the largest segment of super. They were almost an afterthought added to the legislation as a replacement for defined benefit schemes."

When SMSF members head for the exit

Julie Steed
13 October 2016
3

We hear a lot about establishing an SMSF, but not much about exiting one. What are the options for SMSF members when the structure is no longer appropriate as a superannuation vehicle?

Court defends super death benefits from bankruptcy

Liam Shorte
13 October 2016
2

Falling into bankruptcy is rarely a planned event, and can leave little to start over. Recent court decisions provide confidence that when Plan A fails, superannuation is a good Plan B.

US shares at new highs, but where's Australia?

Ashley Owen
13 October 2016
2

Since the 1900s, share market returns for US and Australian investors have been similar over the long run, but lately, US shares have outperformed with the current tech boom. How about +66% versus -2% since 2007.

The future has arrived in Australia

Rudi Filapek-Vandyck
13 October 2016
1

US companies might be leading the global technological boom but there are also opportunities to invest in new Australian companies that are at the forefront of new technologies.

Behind the headline profit numbers

Hugh Dive
13 October 2016
3

There's more to a company's profitability than the headline dollar figure. Measures such as return on equity, return on assets and profit margin can provide a much better and balanced perspective.

What to look for in a profitable turnaround

Mark East
13 October 2016

Turnarounds are not easy. As Warren Buffett said: "When a management with a reputation for brilliance tackles a business with a reputation for bad economics, it is usually the reputation of the business that remains intact."

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Most viewed in recent weeks

Australia's retirement system works brilliantly for some - but not all

The superannuation system has succeeded brilliantly at what it was designed to do: accumulate wealth during working lives. The next challenge is meeting members’ diverse needs in retirement.

Stephen Huppert
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Two years ago, I wrote an article suggesting that the odds favoured ASX shares easily outperforming residential property over the next decade. Here’s an update on where things stand today.

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AFIC on the speculative ASX boom, opportunities, and LIC discounts

In an interview with Firstlinks, CEO Mark Freeman discusses how speculative ASX stocks have crushed blue chips this year, companies he likes now, and why he’s confident AFIC’s NTA discount will close.

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It might not be quite an ‘everything bubble’ but there’s froth in many assets, not just US stocks, right now. It might be time to stress test your portfolio and consider assets that could offer you shelter if trouble is coming.

James Gruber
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Property versus shares - a practical guide for investors

I’ve been comparing property and shares for decades and while both have their place, the differences are stark. When tax, costs, and liquidity are weighed, property looks less compelling than its reputation suggests.

Noel Whittaker
17 December 2025

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