6 March 2026

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3 ways to fix Australia’s affordability crisis Making sense of record high markets as the world catches fire How cutting the CGT discount could help rebalance housing market Is there a better way to reform the CGT discount?Welcome to Firstlinks Edition 648 with weekend update

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Edition: 201

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Edition 201

12 May 2017

Compared with the superannuation carnage of last year's Budget, 2017 was relatively mild, with two changes which are likely to have a marginal impact. We take a look at the fine print, plus several of our sponsors have provided more detailed Budget reviews below.

Budget super changes impact at the margins

Graham Hand
11 May 2017
4

Budget 2017 outlined two changes to superannuation rules, both in an attempt to improve home affordability. One makes a small reduction in the tax burden for savers, while the other allows more money into super.

Market’s big names weigh into index debate

Graham Hand
11 May 2017
3

The distinction between active and index management is increasingly blurred, while active managers as a group face large outflows and struggle to justify their fees. There are big players on both sides.

Index funds lack checks on stocks they buy

Roger Montgomery
11 May 2017
9

The economics of Australia’s biggest listed companies will not turn significantly more positive in the next 10 years. Don’t expect the large cap-weighted indices to produce returns any better.

Active versus passive: there’s more to it

Leah Kelly
11 May 2017
2

Long gone are the days when 'passive' investing meant simply replicating a cap-weighted index, especially with the surge in 'active' and 'factor-based' funds such as smart beta. We need more nuanced definitions.

How to preserve estate money in super

Mark Ellem
11 May 2017
2

The transfer balance cap affects the amount of a deceased member’s benefits that can be paid to the surviving spouse as a pension or income stream, but there’s a way to retain it in the super system.

Managing for retirement income

Jim Parker
11 May 2017

Latest thinking on retirement in the US devises a risk management strategy that allocates assets in a trade-off between growth assets versus more conservative 'risk management' assets.

Productivity Commission: super efficiency but at what cost?

David Bell
11 May 2017
1

Government-sponsored reviews often focus on costs and efficiencies because they are easier to measure, but far greater gains can be made if the super system is encouraged to innovate, even if it comes with costs.

Not all equity income funds are the same

John Moore
11 May 2017
1

Equity income funds have been popular but they come in many different guises, and investors should know about the market exposure and the use of options strategies.

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Most viewed in recent weeks

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

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

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

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

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

It’s economic reality, not fear-based momentum, driving gold higher

Most commentary on gold's recent record highs focus on it being the product of fear or speculative momentum. That's ignoring the deeper structural drivers at play.

John Reade
28 January 2026

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