11 September 2026

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Why have Australian living standards 'fallen' and how do we fix it?Will you run out of money in retirement?Four options for an income investor’s next dollar Why spending more in early retirement can improve lifetime income The investment that sidesteps the new tax traps

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Home / 468

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

Why have Australian living standards 'fallen' and how do we fix it?

For the last few years there has been much talk of a 'cost-of-living' crisis in Australia and of 'falling living standards'. Lately this has flared up again with the pickup in inflation resulting in a renewed fall in real wages.

Shane Oliver
5 August 2026

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.

Harry Chemay
12 August 2026

Four options for an income investor’s next dollar

What if Australia’s golden age of dividends is ending? Rather than overhaul your portfolio, it may be worth considering where new capital can work harder. I discuss four income strategies and the trade-offs behind each.

Mark LaMonica CFA
5 August 2026

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.

David Knox
2 September 2026

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.

Noel Whittaker
12 August 2026

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.

Rachael Rofe
19 August 2026

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