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Edition: 422

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Welcome to Firstlinks Edition 422 with weekend update

  • 26 August 2021
  • 10

We recently published six stock picks which were all foreign companies and some people complained that they only wanted to read about Australian companies. Come on, folks. That's like the old days of living on meat and three veg. The world offers wonderful investment opportunities and Australia is only 2% of global markets and highly concentrated.

Tax reform favours apartments and owner-occupiers

Stamp duty on buying a home is a major cost for most people, often delaying purchase. While replacing it with a land tax seems attractive, the reform picks favourites and not everyone will welcome the changes.

Let's make this clear again ... franking credits are fair

Critics of franking credits are missing the main point. The taxable income of shareholders/taxpayers must also include the company tax previously paid to the ATO before the dividend was distributed. It is fair.

Five stocks that have worked well in our portfolios

Picking macro trends is difficult. What may seem logical and compelling one minute may completely change a few months later. There are better rewards from focussing on identifying the best companies at good prices.

Thematic ETFs: is the juice worth the squeeze?

COVID was a paradigm shift for thematic ETFs, satisfying investor sentiment toward disruptive trends and sustainable investing while covering almost any theme investors desire. Where do they sit in a portfolio?

Four reasons emerging markets should outperform post-COVID

The pandemic has shown that the emerging market complex is more mature, with central bank discipline, strong demand for commodities and a positive outlook for currencies. Diversification into EM is worth a look.

Why not all share platforms are created equal

We assume share trading platforms are alike other than the cost of brokerage, but do you know if prices are live, who owns your shares and what you earn on cash? The few brokerage dollars you save can be eaten away.

How to access money under the First Home Super Saver

Demand for homes is strong but prices are up sharply. Under the FHSS, a couple can access up to $100,000 from their super. Advisers and super funds are reporting a big increase in enquiries but how does it work?

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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