15 March 2026

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How cutting the CGT discount could help rebalance housing market 3 ways to fix Australia’s affordability crisis Is there a better way to reform the CGT discount?Want your loved ones to inherit your super? You can’t afford to skip this one step Welcome to Firstlinks Edition 648 with weekend update

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Edition: 468

1-8 out of 8 results.

Welcome to Firstlinks Edition 468 with weekend update

28 July 2022
8

When inflation was close to zero, it was not as important to think about markets and returns in real terms (that is, nominal returns less inflation). But factoring in inflation, a total return of 6% on an investment may only preserve purchasing power. Leaving money in cash at 1% now comes with a significant opportunity cost.

Rival standard for savings and incomes in retirement

Graham Hand
27 July 2022
39

A new standard argues the majority of Australians will never achieve the ASFA 'comfortable' level of retirement savings and it amounts to 'fearmongering' by vested interests. If comfortable is aspirational, so be it.

The sharemarket is not the same as the economy

The lessons from 22 years in the market include the lower volatility of industrial shares, how a short book differs from a long, the best leading indicators of change, plus stocks to withstand tougher times.

Price is a liar: take three steps before you dive in

Hugh Selby-Smith
27 July 2022
6

Price is a subjective measure with no mathematical definition, but valuation approximates the truth. With many stock prices down, investors looking to buy should consider three steps suited to current market conditions.

Bear markets don't go paw-in-paw with recessions

Andrew Mitchell
27 July 2022
3

In the 12 US recessions since WWII, the S&P500 index has contracted from peak to trough by a median of 24%. We were almost there in June 2022 but trying to time the bottom of the market can be a costly strategy.

Different investments to catch the Electric Vehicle charge

Peter Meany, Kate Turner
27 July 2022
2

When investors focus on the EV revolution, not enough think about the investment opportunities with the 'E'. The charging infrastructure underpins the whole sector and will undergo its own revolution.

Making death benefit nominations work for you

Julie Steed
27 July 2022

The High Court recently ruled that the traditional three-year lapsing binding death benefit nominations do not apply to SMSFs, but many SMSF trust deeds contain specific provisions on how the nomination must work.

A six-chart snapshot of June 2022 lending data

Stephen Wu
27 July 2022

The Australian economy is undergoing crucial changes. The Reserve Bank's attempts to slow activity is feeding into lending volumes and loan rates but can authorities manage inflation without economic contraction?

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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.

Jago Dodson, Liam Davies
18 February 2026

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.

James Gruber
4 February 2026

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.

Matthew Maltman, Matt Nolan
11 February 2026

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.

Tobias Barkley
4 March 2026

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

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.

Aaron Minney
4 March 2026

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