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Wednesday, 26 January 2022
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If you knew your incoming boss thought something the business does is 'absolutely abhorrent', would you fix it before he arrived? I know I would.
The role of Chief Operations Officer is not well understood, but it involves everything from keeping the office running day-to-day to long-term strategic planning, and the ability to multitask is essential.
Listed Australian Real Estate Investment Trusts (A-REITS) had an excellent FY19, but performance was dominated by a few sectors, and the question is whether they can deliver again in FY20.
The recent rise in the prices of bank hybrids fails to recognise the risks involved, and they now look expensive compared to alternatives available to both retail and institutional investors.
The margins (or spreads) on so-called AT1 bank hybrids have reduced significantly since the franking doubt was removed in the election, and investors should ask whether they are now rewarded for the risks.
Peter Fitzsimons calls franking 'ridiculous' and Dick Smith calls it 'outrageous', but Dick Smith probably receives a significant refund because his Australian share investments are held in a very large SMSF.
At a time when value investing is under attack, a reminder that Benjamin Graham heavily influenced Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger, and they have built his ideas into broad investing strategies.
Former ACCC Chairman, Allan Fels, reveals the large 'loyalty taxes' in the insurance industry, where existing customers pay much higher prices than the specials aimed at new accounts.
Most people entering retirement do not see a financial adviser, mainly due to cost. It's a major problem because there are small mistakes a retiree can make which are expensive and avoidable if a few tips were known.
Eligibility for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card has no asset test and a relatively high income test. It's worth checking eligibility and the benefits of qualifying to save on the cost of medications.
The focus is on Magellan for its investment performance and departure of the CEO, but Douglass says the pandemic, inflation, rising rates and Middle East tensions have not played out. Vindication is always long term.
This is our annual checklist of what retirees need to be aware of in 2022. It is a long list of 25 items and not everything will apply to your situation. Run your eye over the benefits and entitlements.
The Warren Buffett/Charlie Munger partnership is the stuff of legends, but even Charlie admits it is coming to an end ("I'm nearly dead"). He is one of the few people in investing prepared to say what he thinks.
Depending on personal circumstances, it may be time to rethink the bias to paying down housing debt over wealth accumulation in super. Do the sums and ask these four questions to plan for your future.