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Edition: 408

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Welcome to Firstlinks Edition 408 with weekend updates

  • 20 May 2021

There are no better examples of Australia's unexpected recovery from the pandemic than the fortunes of our major banks and the changing forecasts of our leading economists. In May 2020, NAB reduced its dividend and undertook a Share Purchase Plan at $14.15 to build up its capital, and now the bank is contemplating a buyback at over $25. Looks like sell low buy high. 

Whoyagonnacall? Five more risks buying off-the-plan

Part 2. All new apartment buildings have defects, and developers and builders will not volunteer to spend time and money on fixes unless someone fights them. There's no 'defect buster' to call.

The next big thing: global markets and the emerging consumer

A structural theme that will drive future earnings growth is the ‘emerging consumer’. The rising wealth in emerging economies will drive sub-sectors such as luxury goods, cosmetics, travel, global brands and alcohol.

Noel's share winners and loser plus budget reality check

Among the share success stories is a poor personal experience as Telstra's service needs improving. Plus why the new budget announcements on downsizing and buying a home don't deserve the super hype.

Six lessons for investors in a crisis

The markets delivered the full range of experiences in the past year with the fastest fall and the sharpest recovery on record. What quick investing lessons apply, especially when a crisis hits?

Australia's baby boom filling some of the immigration losses

One silver lining from changing COVID-19 societal behaviours is an unexpected pickup in Australia’s natural population growth rate, with early-stage pregnancy ultrasounds pointing to a baby boom ahead.

Bank reporting season scorecard May 2021

It's an incredible turnaround. One bank reported 121,000 home loans in deferral in 2020 but only 2,000 remain in hardship a year later. Profits have recovered, loan losses are tiny ... but which are the best banks?

Will the drought break for value stocks continue?

The shift in dynamics from growth to value can be seen in the rotation of tech and communications names out of the top 20 performers to be replaced by value-style industrials, energy and financials. Will it continue?

Most viewed in recent weeks

Will you run out of money in retirement?

Fear of running out has become a defining retirement anxiety. Why do some retirees die with substantial wealth while others deplete their nest egg? Evidence suggests the answer is more complicated than we think. 

Why spending more in early retirement can improve lifetime income

Conventional wisdom encourages retirees to preserve superannuation. But if those likely to qualify for the Age Pension later in life spend a little more today, it may deliver higher lifetime income and a more stable retirement.

The investment that sidesteps the new tax traps

Tax rules have changed, but many investors are still using yesterday’s strategies. Insurance bonds may offer advantages for those seeking greater control, tax efficiency and certainty about their wealth.

Testamentary trusts have secured the CGT exemption

Treasury’s latest CGT reform draft delivers a win for testamentary trusts and deceased estates, exempting estate-derived gains from the 30% floor. However, questions on death and divorce rollovers remain unresolved.

Meg on SMSFs: What do we think about reversionary pensions these days?

Reversionary pensions have long been a staple of SMSF estate planning, but are they still the best option? Meg Heffron revisits a once-clear favourite and asks whether changing super rules have shifted the balance.

How does the 4% rule stack up?

The 4% rule has long been retirement's gold standard. But after a difficult period for investors, fresh analysis suggests a more conservative approach may significantly improve the chances of making savings last.

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