3 March 2026

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Ray Dalio on 2025’s real story, Trump, and what’s next Making sense of record high markets as the world catches fire 3 ways to fix Australia’s affordability crisis Is there a better way to reform the CGT discount?How cutting the CGT discount could help rebalance housing market

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Edition 182

18 November 2016

Wednesday last week showed the dangers of reacting too quickly to unexpected market news. As the US election results came in, the US Dow Jones futures lost 800 points, the S&P/ASX200 fell 4% to 5,150 and a bellwether stock like CBA headed to $69. A week later, the Aussie index was above 5,350 and CBA was almost $77, up 10% from the Trump panic. Money moved out of bonds and into financials, miners and healthcare, and nobody knows where to from here.

Eight key features of successful companies

Victor Gomes
17 November 2016
3

There's a lot more to identifying great small companies than the financials, and it pays to lift the lid on the underlying characteristics of the best businesses, including the people who run them.

Why is factor investing a ‘thing’?

Raewyn Williams
17 November 2016

We hear a lot about 'factors' but what are they? Both retail and wholesale investors are ploughing billions into these new ETFs and managed funds. Do they have a role alongside passive and active funds?

How SMSFs should plan for $1.6m pension cap

Doug McBirnie
17 November 2016
32

Anyone with large super balances should know their choices well before 1 July 2017, although they no longer have to decide how to segregate between accumulation and pension.

Populism and the risks in regulated assets

Ritesh Prasad
17 November 2016

Infrastructure assets are viewed as 'bond proxies' because they are supposed to have predictable cash flows, but investors should delve deeper into the regulatory risks, especially in a post-Brexit, post-Trump world.

How to improve your personal credit score

Bessie Hassan
17 November 2016
2

It's possible to take action and improve your personal credit score, which can result in cheaper borrowing rates and better access to credit. Don't wait until you need to borrow.

Managing dynamic asset allocation in unusual times

17 November 2016
1

Dynamic asset allocation should be exactly that ... dynamic. It calls for amending asset allocations as circumstances change, and that's certainly happening now.

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Most viewed in recent weeks

Ray Dalio on 2025’s real story, Trump, and what’s next

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.

James Gruber
21 January 2026

Making sense of record high markets as the world catches fire

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.

James Gruber
28 January 2026

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.

James Gruber
4 February 2026

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.

Matthew Maltman, Matt Nolan
11 February 2026

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.

Jago Dodson, Liam Davies
18 February 2026

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

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