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15 October 2025
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After being shunned by most investors up to early 2016, most commodity prices have experienced stellar growth in the last two years, putting resource companies back in the frame for many portfolios.
What to expect in 2018, Howard Marks, the future of ETFs and LICs, managing diversification and volatility, the Lucky Country and (yes) Bitcoin.
Howard Marks explains that he has never told investors 'it's time to get out', and while he does not see bubble conditions, future returns are likely to be subdued based on current high prices.
The phrase 'Lucky Country' was coined to be pejorative, but Australia has managed to acquire wealth and income equality well beyond expectations bestowed on it by chance.
Investors shouldn't automatically assume the inclusion of bonds in a portfolio provides diversity against their equity exposure, as correlations can change in volatile markets.
Volatility continues to hit record lows despite political upheaval and the start of interest rate normalisation. But, as inflation continues to take root, can active strategies help investors protect their portfolios from downside risk?
ETFs are seeing the growth in popularity in Australia that overseas markets have experienced for many years, and they could reach $50 billion by the end of 2018. What will drive it?
2017 was a watershed year for LICs, not only because of the increase in issues, but the new features that address previous shortcomings.
Price is what you pay when you buy an asset, and value is what you get. Market price and the intrinsic value of a good or a company share are two different qualities.
LICs are continuing to struggle with large discounts and frustrated investors are wondering whether it’s worth holding onto them. This explains why the next 6-12 months will be make or break for many LICs.
Younger Australians think they’ll need $100k a year in retirement - nearly double what current retirees spend. Expectations are rising fast, but are they realistic or just another case of lifestyle inflation?
This week, I got the news that my mother has dementia. It came shortly after my father received the same diagnosis. This is a meditation on getting old and my regrets in not getting my parents’ affairs in order sooner.
Retirement can be daunting for Australians facing financial uncertainty. Understand your goals, longevity challenges, inflation impacts, market risks, and components of retirement income with these crucial charts.
Five mega trends point to risks of a more inflation prone and lower growth environment. This, along with rich market valuations, should constrain medium term superannuation returns to around 5% per annum.
With rising home prices and falling affordability, political leaders preach reform. But asset disclosures show many are heavily invested in property - raising doubts about whose interests housing policy really protects.