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20 March 2026

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Edition: 197

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Edition 197

  • 7 April 2017

The recent regulator focus on macroprudential controls reminds me of when I started work in a bank treasury in the early 1980s. At the time, a 10% limit was imposed on loan growth, but banks found ways around the rules. They converted business loans to bank bill facilities which were not counted in the loan numbers, but provided the same credit for the client. They required borrowers to repay overnight loans on a Wednesday because it was the reporting day, and then lent to them again the next day. Let's hope those were the bad old days and banks don't behave like that now.

Retirement savings and age pension black holes

It’s surprising there has not been more outcry about the age pension taper test in a low rate environment, where a ‘black hole’ creates a perverse impact of less retirement income the more a retiree has saved.

Debt binge main cause of house price rises

Household borrowing, mainly for property, now far exceeds business borrowing, but it is businesses that create jobs and wealth. The crackdown on housing debt is overdue.

When directors sell, should you sell too?

The selling of shares by company directors is not necessarily a sign for other investors to follow, but research into Australian sales seems to be a stronger signal than directors' buying.

Five urban myths about super changes

When changes to regulations are as extensive and complex as the coming 1 July rules, many misconceptions about how they work arise for both advisers and their clients. Here are a few common mistakes.

Can socially responsible investing and good returns coexist?

There is gathering evidence that socially responsible investing (SRI) is not just about doing the right thing, but it does not detract from returns and investors who focus on it are likely to be rewarded.

Of Blackberrys, pineapples and trade

Free trade is more at risk than at any time in almost a century, and yet trade restrictions will increase prices for those who can least afford it, and prop up inefficient industries.

New RG97 rules will increase disclosed fees

Superannuation and managed fund providers are finding new product disclosure requirements challenging, but the standards will allow better fund comparisons for consumers.

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How cutting the CGT discount could help rebalance housing market

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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

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Has Australia wasted the last 30 years?

The 20 years after Peter Costello left Treasury have been deemed wasted...by Peter Costello. The missed opportunities for Australia began long before.  

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