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9 October 2025
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Australia as best global model? 3 lessons from my trip, Montgomery on 5G, nervous investors, manager chats, super engagement and access, rate spreads.
My trip to Malta and Italy produced many great memories, but did I really enjoy the experience? As the Nobel Laureate says: “We go on vacations to a very large extent in the service of our remembering self.”
The coming of 5G will herald a communication and internet revolution, but the benefits to consumers and society will not automatically translate to huge profits for providers and suppliers. Who will win?
The recent fall in stock market prices worries many investors, but it is a normal part of exposure to shares. Nervous Investors need to understand how they think, set a plan and stick to it.
Contrary to historical norms, Australian sovereign bond yields are trading below those in the US. What are the implications for hedging and returns from bonds and will the differential be sustained?
Investors rarely ask fund managers the right questions, forcing a confusion between selling and investing. The relationship should focus on the long run and eliminate the luck and noise of short-termism.
Mercer says the nature of the workforce is changing and many part-time workers in the gig economy are excluded from super. It contributes to widespread disengagement and apathy towards super.
Most people think of super access in terms of age, but when life deals a cruel blow, the rules allow members early access subject to certain conditions. It's a valuable safety net.
Infrastructure assets usually benefit from long-term, stable and predictable cash flows, giving them defensive characteristics, with airports traditionally offering reliability even in difficult economic conditions.
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.
Australia's superannuation system faces a 'Rubicon' moment, a turning point where the focus is shifting from accumulation phase to retirement readiness, but unfortunately, many funds are not rising to the challenge.