10 November 2026

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It’s time for LICs to die Division 296: the initial moves to make before the windows close The retirement scorecard: how many of these questions can you answer?Testamentary trusts: Treasury has picked the wrong reading Superannuation’s structural failings

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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

It’s time for LICs to die

A high-profile dividend cut and a prominent fund manager’s apology have reignited a long-running debate. If investors can access similar exposures more cheaply and efficiently elsewhere, what exactly is keeping LICs alive?

David Tuckwell
30 September 2026

Division 296: the initial moves to make before the windows close

What if the best superannuation strategy isn't about earning more, but acting before your options disappear? Several overlooked planning windows are narrowing, with consequences that can last for decades.

Liam Shorte
28 October 2026

The retirement scorecard: how many of these questions can you answer?

From the maths of retirement, estimating spending and picking the right asset allocation to survive a poor decade, here are the questions every retiree – current or future – should be able to answer for themselves.

Mark LaMonica CFA
14 October 2026

Testamentary trusts: Treasury has picked the wrong reading

A decades-old estate planning tool has survived one tax crackdown only to be caught by another. The surprise isn't who the reform is targeting, but who could end up paying the price for drafting choices made years ago.

Rachael Rofe
21 October 2026

Superannuation’s structural failings

Politicians are fighting over access to super, but they may be arguing about the wrong thing. The system’s three fundamental flaws have been hiding in plain sight for decades, costing Australians far more than they realise.

Ron Bird
4 November 2026

Avoid unnecessary CGT with this estate planning clause

A simple estate plan can create a ticking time bomb. One overlooked clause can pit spouses against children, delay inheritances, and potentially leave a family facing an unexpected tax bill worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Shani Jayamanne
28 October 2026

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