28 July 2026

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The strange effect of the 30% minimum capital gains tax High quality businesses are on sale Does your will qualify for the discretionary testamentary trust exemption?Ranking three common retirement strategies Welcome to Firstlinks Edition 667 with weekend update

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Edition: 206

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Edition 206

16 June 2017

Both Warren Buffett and Howard Marks dislike equating volatility with risk, although this is the most common definition of risk used in asset management. The lack of volatility (prior to last week) in the prices of the big 'FAAMG' stocks (Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Microsoft (or Netflix) and Alphabet, parent of Google) illustrates the problem. These stocks have risen to lofty valuations which have driven 40% of the gains in the broad S&P500 year-to-date.

10 cognitive biases that can lead to investment mistakes (part 1)

Hamish Douglass
15 June 2017
7

Knowing about psychological barriers to good investment performance can help to understand and minimise mistakes. Consider how often a cognitive bias has led to a poor investment.

Bank collapse wakes up hybrids, but is subordinated better?

Justin McCarthy, Ryan Poth
15 June 2017
9

Investors received a wake-up call to the potential risks of hybrid and subordinated securities following the collapse of Banco Popular Espanol, and the price falls in Australian hybrids shows the market took notice.

The value of Adviser's Alpha explained

Robin Bowerman
15 June 2017
1

The main benefit a financial adviser can give clients is not in stock picking or selecting an outperforming manager, but acting as a wealth coach and helping to control emotions.

Banks and bankers: why do we shoot the messengers?

Graham Hand
15 June 2017
8

Despite the commonly held views that Australians hate banks, market research shows the vast majority are satisfied with their bank. Same with super funds. What about bank managers and financial advisers?

How to define spending goals in retirement

Jeff Rogers
15 June 2017
2

A retirement financial plan must consider longevity, health and liabilities, making it far more complicated than the simpler investment strategy in the accumulation phase.

3 implications of retail disruption for emerging markets

James Syme
15 June 2017

Most investors think of online disruption in terms of the developed world and Silicon Valley, but there are important implications for listed companies in emerging markets.

Is it time to review your super pension?

Alex Denham
15 June 2017

If the sum of a couple’s pension balances is over $1.6 million and a spouse dies, what can the survivor do to keep the assets in the superannuation environment?

Timing on transfer balance cap and CGT relief

Mark Ellem
15 June 2017

A point by point final reminder of actions needed before 30 June on large pension balances, plus good news about the timing to claim CGT relief to reset the cost base to market values.

Congratulations to Chris on his Queen's Birthday Honours Award

Graham Hand
12 June 2017
10

Congratulations to Chris Cuffe, awarded an Officer of the Order of Australia for "distinguished service to the community as an advocate for philanthropy, as a supporter of improved financial efficiencies in charitable organisation and to the funds management industry”. Plus, of course, financial education through Cuffelinks.

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The strange effect of the 30% minimum capital gains tax

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High quality businesses are on sale

Beneath the dominance of the ASX's largest stocks, much of the market has been left behind. High-quality companies are now trading at levels rarely seen, offering opportunities for investors willing to look deeper.

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Welcome to Firstlinks Edition 667 with weekend update

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Are you making these SMSF mistakes?

After four decades advising investors, there are a few common mistakes I've seen SMSF investors make. From holding too much cash and chasing yield to overtrading and trusting tips. Are these errors costing you?

Marcus Padley
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