10 March 2026

Recently trending

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

Jonathan Hoyle, CEO, Stanford Brown: "A fabulous publication. The only must-read weekly publication for the Australian wealth management industry."

Reader: "Great resource. Cuffelinks is STILL the one and only weekly newsletter I regularly read."

Andrew Buchan, Partner, HLB Mann Judd: "I have told you a thousand times it's the best newsletter."

Reader: "Is one of very few places an investor can go and not have product rammed down their throat. Love your work!"

Rob Henshaw: "When I open my computer each day it's the first link I click - a really great read."

John Pearce, Chief Investment Officer, Unisuper: "Out of the (many many) investmentrelated emails I get, Cuffelinks is one that I always open."

Steve: "The best that comes into our world each week. This is the only one that is never, ever canned before fully being reviewed by yours truly."

Reader: "Love it, just keep doing what you are doing. It is the right length too, any longer and it might become a bit overwhelming."

Reader: "The BEST in the game because of diversity and not aligned to financial products. Stands above all the noise."

Professor Robert Deutsch: "This has got to be the best set of articles on economic and financial matters. Always something worthwhile reading in Firstlinks. Thankyou"

Reader: "I subscribe to two newsletters. This is my first read of the week. Thank you. Excellent and please keep up the good work!"

Scott Pape, author of The Barefoot Investor: "I'm an avid reader of Cuffelinks. Thanks for the wonderful resource you have here, it really is first class."

Ian Silk, CEO, AustralianSuper: "It has become part of my required reading: quality thinking, and (mercifully) to the point."

John Egan, Egan Associates: "My heartiest congratulations. Your panel of contributors is very impressive and keep your readers fully informed."

Reader: "Keep it up - the independence is refreshing and is demonstrated by the variety of well credentialed commentators."

Ian Kelly, CFP, BTACS Financial Services: "Probably the best source of commentary and information I have seen over the past 20 years."

Reader: "Best innovation I have seen whilst an investor for 25 years. The writers are brilliant. A great publication which I look forward to."

Reader: "Congratulations on a great focussed news source. Australia has a dearth of good quality unbiased financial and wealth management news."

Reader: "Carry on as you are - well done. The average investor/SMSF trustee needs all the help they can get."

Reader: "I can quickly sort the items that I am interested in, then research them more fully. It is also a regular reminder that I need to do this."

David Goldschmidt, Chartered Accountant: "I find this a really excellent newsletter. The best I get. Keep up the good work!"

Reader: "An island of professionalism in an ocean of shallow self-interest. Well done!"

Noel Whittaker, author and financial adviser: "A fabulous weekly newsletter that is packed full of independent financial advice."

Don Stammer, leading Australian economist: "Congratulations to all associated. It deserves the good following it has."

Eleanor Dartnall, AFA Adviser of the Year, 2014: "Our clients love your newsletter. Your articles are avidly read by advisers and they learn a great deal."

Reader: "It's excellent so please don't pollute the content with boring mainstream financial 'waffle' and adverts for stuff we don't want!"

Reader: " Finding a truly independent and interesting read has been magical for me. Please keep it up and don't change!"

Home / 211

Edition: 211

1-10 out of 10 results.

Edition 211

21 July 2017

Australian bank margins and profits are underpinned by existing customers not demanding the rates available to new customers. When I sat on bank pricing committees many moons ago, we called this 'retail inertia'. Most borrowers do not walk into their local branch armed with comparison rates and ask for a better deal, and term deposit customers accept poor rollover rates.

Pension income and segregation in an SMSF

Gordon Mackenzie
21 July 2017

A more detailed response to comments on the previous article requesting clarification on the ability to segregate assets in superannuation, especially for SMSFs and members with over $1.6 million.

And we’re off: super tax risks post 1 July

Gordon Mackenzie
20 July 2017
7

The added complexity of the new superannuation rules increases the compliance burden for investors and their advisers, and the requirements around the $1.6 million threshold are especially complex.

7 ways acquisitions add or destroy value

Matthew Ward
20 July 2017

Well-executed mergers and acquisitions can add material shareholder value, but there are plenty of examples where they destroy value, and in the worst cases, jeopardise the entire company.

The journey is more important than the destination

Noel Whittaker
20 July 2017
7

We may prefer a fast pay off but a long-term approach to investing will result in a less stressful journey and a more successful outcome.

Accessing super before retirement

Monica Rule
20 July 2017
4

Transition to Retirement Income Streams are no longer tax-free, but you can still access your super before retirement if you meet certain conditions, and there are strategies to reduce the tax paid.

3 difficulties investing in emerging markets

Craig Mercer
20 July 2017

For many investors, allocations to emerging markets over the years have proved disappointing. An emphasis on corporate governance and social issues can help unlock some of the potential.

Value investing from an Australian perspective

Hamish Carlisle
20 July 2017

Despite value investing struggling over the last decade, using free cash flow can generate outperformance with lower volatility compared to traditional classifications of value including earnings, book value and dividends.

Clear winner and loser in 2017/2018 survey

Graham Hand
20 July 2017
4

Any person responsible for constructing an investment portfolio must make decisions about asset allocation, requiring educated guesses about future returns. Are these results the Wisdom of Crowds?

Thornhill responds on dividends and Buffett

Peter Thornhill
19 July 2017
7

Author and university lecturer, Peter Thornhill, has been part of a lively conversation in our comments section as a result of Ashley Owen's article on dividends. He produced this chart to expand his argument.

Firstlinks is sponsored by:

Most viewed in recent weeks

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

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

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

Alliances

Site Map

About Firstlinks

Disclaimer
The data, research and opinions provided here are for information purposes; are not an offer to buy or sell a security; and are not warranted to be correct, complete or accurate. Morningstar, its affiliates, and third-party content providers are not responsible for any investment decisions, damages or losses resulting from, or related to, the data and analyses or their use. To the extent any content is general advice, it has been prepared for clients of Morningstar Australasia Pty Ltd (ABN: 95 090 665 544, AFSL: 240892), without reference to your financial objectives, situation or needs. For more information refer to our Financial Services Guide. You should consider the advice in light of these matters and if applicable, the relevant Product Disclosure Statement before making any decision to invest. Past performance does not necessarily indicate a financial product’s future performance. To obtain advice tailored to your situation, contact a professional financial adviser. Articles are current as at date of publication.
This website contains information and opinions provided by third parties. Inclusion of this information does not necessarily represent Morningstar’s positions, strategies or opinions and should not be considered an endorsement by Morningstar.