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Edition: 398

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Welcome to Firstlinks Edition 398

  • 11 March 2021
  • 4

While markets always have differences of opinion, fund managers are further apart than ever. At one end is the bounce back theory of massive consumer spending. The other is the overvaluations during a pandemic with mutant virus threats. Plus Julie Bishop on leadership, life and libertines.

Julie Bishop on leaders, life, Liberals and libertines

At a CFA event for IWD, Australia's first female foreign minister gave her frank opinion on leadership and life. Later, she opened up on events in Canberra: "I'm surprised that no-one thought to inform the Prime Minister." 

Four bubbly market pockets show heightened risk for investors

At the top of every market, there are signs that investors look back on and say the excesses were obvious. While many parts of the market are fairly valued, here are four bubbles which show irrational exuberance.

You think you're passive but are you really concentrating?

Rules of thumb often oversimplify things. While it looks like an index or passive portfolio spreads risks across the market, it is surprising how concentrated indexes have become, leaving investors with sector bets.

Three key takeaways from Buffett's annual letter

Warren Buffett's annual letter has a simple focus on long-term investing: "All that’s required is the passage of time, an inner calm, ample diversification and a minimisation of transactions and fees."

Three key themes for global income investing post COVID

Heavy consumer spending, rising commodity prices and government deficits point to rising inflation. Given the risk in long-term fixed rate exposure, where else can bond exposure help generate income?

Investment forecasts: foresight or folly?

It's easy to find eminent market experts with completely opposite views on the market at any moment. View the forecasts of investment gurus for what they are: guesstimates. Only you can decide what's right for you.

Understanding QE and its impact on inflation

With bond rates and Reserve Bank actions driving equity markets and inflationary expectations, it pays to understand what is really happening in both central bank and commercial bank balance sheets.

Most viewed in recent weeks

Ray Dalio on 2025’s real story, Trump, and what’s next

The renowned investor says 2025’s real story wasn’t AI or US stocks but the shift away from American assets and a collapse in the value of money. And he outlines how to best position portfolios for what’s ahead.

Making sense of record high markets as the world catches fire

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.

3 ways to fix Australia’s affordability crisis

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.

Is there a better way to reform the CGT discount?

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.

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.

Welcome to Firstlinks Edition 648 with weekend update

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.

  • 5 February 2026

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