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Edition: 388

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Welcome to Firstlinks Edition 388

  • 17 December 2020
  • 4

Our final packed edition for the year ... but first, if there is one thing 2020 taught us, it is to expect the unexpected. Although some people like Bill Gates forecast in 2014 that a pandemic on a global scale would hit in future, nobody seriously factored it into investment analysis. And even when COVID-19 struck, most analysts predicted economic doom and market collapses which also proved wrong.

Special Edition eBook: Firstlinks 2020 Interview Series

The Interview Series has proved highly popular with our readers. This year’s collection of 20 interviews for 2020 covers most asset types and is a window into how diversification helps to manage risk.

Evan Reedman: Australian ETFs from slow burn to rapid fire

ETFs have gone from bit player to major force in Australian investing in the space of a few years, and will top $100 billion soon. One of the major providers explains how they bring products to the market.

Five reasons Australian small companies are compelling investments

Many investors focus primarily on the big listed companies but the smaller end in tech, mining and healthcare outperforms through innovation. Many Australian companies are world-leaders in their speciality.

IPO a-go-go: the who, why, when and how much of IPO investing

Six key questions for investors to ask to navigate the avalanche of Australian IPOs. Don't assume the investment banker has done the due diligence and is on your side, as many IPOs struggle after issuance.

How to give retirees the confidence to spend

There are many items in the 'too hard basket' for super. Remember the proposed Retirement Income Covenant? It required trustees to develop an appropriate strategy for members, and it's time to progress with it.

The road to super hell is paved with good intentions

The Your Future, Your Super reform gives a super fund 12 months to rectify its performance, but failing the first test implies a 90% chance of failing the second test a year later. A failed test is an existential event.

What to watch in post-pandemic 2021

Despite the wave of optimism currently sweeping markets, some negative factors demand caution. Extraordinarily low interest rates is pushing up equities as investors choose the 'lesser evil' in asset allocations.

November 2020 was an historic month for ETFs

November 2020 was an exceptional month for ETF records, with new highs for total size, monthly growth and largest net flows. With over 250 listed products available, ETFs are well established among investor choices.

Seven steps to easier management of your estate

Don't make life difficult for the person trusted to manage your estate. Find the time to arrange your documents, contacts, online accounts and files in a convenient place, including giving them some cash.

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.

Want your loved ones to inherit your super? You can’t afford to skip this one step

One in five Australians die before retirement and most have not set up their super properly so their loved ones can benefit from all their hard work and savings. 

Super is catching up, but ageing is a triple-threat

An ageing Australia is shifting the superannuation system’s focus from accumulation to the lifecycle of retirement. While these pressures have been anticipated for decades, they are now converging at scale and driving widespread industry change.

Has Australia wasted the last 30 years?

The 20 years after Peter Costello left Treasury have been deemed wasted...by Peter Costello. The missed opportunities for Australia began long before.  

Meg on SMSFs: Last word on Div 296 for a while

The best way to deal with the incoming Division 296 tax on superannuation is likely doing nothing. Earnings will be taxed regardless of where the money sits, so here are some important considerations.

The 5% deposit scheme is bad for homeowners and Australia

An ‘affordability’ scheme making the county more vulnerable to economic shocks and contributing to the deteriorating financial situation of everyday Australians.

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