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6 March 2026
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Labor franking targets SMSFs, Douglass says 30% fall possible, Total Super Balance, income risk, asset allocation, SMSFs and mental capacity.
Many people, especially SMSF trustees who expect to go on the age pension in future, remain confused about Labor's proposed franking policy. These 10 emails confirm Labor's position.
The ALP imputation policy, even with the Pensioner Guarantee, hurts self-funded retirees who are not pensioners. Ten organisations have formed the Alliance for a Fairer Retirement System to oppose the policy.
Market risks are skewed to the downside for the next 12 to 18 months, and if the Federal Reserve is forced to counter inflation, a 30% broad-based correction in equity markets is a possibility.
The Total Superannuation Balance is an important factor in changes to super and SMSF rules that took effect in the current financial year. Understanding the rules can maximise superannuation opportunities.
Many ‘baby boomer’ retirees contemplating decades of retirement prefer a sustainable lifestyle based on a steady income that keeps up with inflation. New perceptions of risk are required to meet such income demands.
Sovereign Wealth Funds control hundreds of billions of dollars of investments, and how they change their asset allocations can affect prices across listed and unlisted markets.
Although over one million Australians are trustees of SMSFs, ASIC reports that many do not have the expertise or time to take responsibility to manage their own superannuation.
The SMSF of a person who has lost mental capacity faces multiple risks including the fund’s control falling into wrong hands. These risks can be guarded against with a proper strategy in advance.
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.
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.
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.
A more rational taxation system that supports home ownership but discourages asset speculation could provide greater financial support to first home buyers.
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.
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.