28 January 2026

Recently trending

Building a lazy ETF portfolio in 2026 Australian stocks will crush housing over the next decade, 2025 edition Get set for a bumpy 2026 Meg on SMSFs: First glimpse of revised Division 296 tax Ray Dalio on 2025’s real story, Trump, and what’s next

Rob Henshaw: "When I open my computer each day it's the first link I click - a really great read."

Don Stammer, leading Australian economist: "Congratulations to all associated. It deserves the good following it has."

Reader: "Is one of very few places an investor can go and not have product rammed down their throat. Love your work!"

Jonathan Hoyle, CEO, Stanford Brown: "A fabulous publication. The only must-read weekly publication for the Australian wealth management industry."

Reader: "I can quickly sort the items that I am interested in, then research them more fully. It is also a regular reminder that I need to do this."

Reader: "The BEST in the game because of diversity and not aligned to financial products. Stands above all the noise."

Reader: "Great resource. Cuffelinks is STILL the one and only weekly newsletter I regularly read."

Scott Pape, author of The Barefoot Investor: "I'm an avid reader of Cuffelinks. Thanks for the wonderful resource you have here, it really is first class."

Ian Kelly, CFP, BTACS Financial Services: "Probably the best source of commentary and information I have seen over the past 20 years."

Steve: "The best that comes into our world each week. This is the only one that is never, ever canned before fully being reviewed by yours truly."

Reader: "Carry on as you are - well done. The average investor/SMSF trustee needs all the help they can get."

Reader: "I subscribe to two newsletters. This is my first read of the week. Thank you. Excellent and please keep up the good work!"

Reader: "Love it, just keep doing what you are doing. It is the right length too, any longer and it might become a bit overwhelming."

Professor Robert Deutsch: "This has got to be the best set of articles on economic and financial matters. Always something worthwhile reading in Firstlinks. Thankyou"

John Pearce, Chief Investment Officer, Unisuper: "Out of the (many many) investmentrelated emails I get, Cuffelinks is one that I always open."

Reader: "It's excellent so please don't pollute the content with boring mainstream financial 'waffle' and adverts for stuff we don't want!"

Noel Whittaker, author and financial adviser: "A fabulous weekly newsletter that is packed full of independent financial advice."

Reader: "Best innovation I have seen whilst an investor for 25 years. The writers are brilliant. A great publication which I look forward to."

Reader: "Congratulations on a great focussed news source. Australia has a dearth of good quality unbiased financial and wealth management news."

Reader: "Keep it up - the independence is refreshing and is demonstrated by the variety of well credentialed commentators."

Ian Silk, CEO, AustralianSuper: "It has become part of my required reading: quality thinking, and (mercifully) to the point."

John Egan, Egan Associates: "My heartiest congratulations. Your panel of contributors is very impressive and keep your readers fully informed."

Reader: "An island of professionalism in an ocean of shallow self-interest. Well done!"

Reader: " Finding a truly independent and interesting read has been magical for me. Please keep it up and don't change!"

Eleanor Dartnall, AFA Adviser of the Year, 2014: "Our clients love your newsletter. Your articles are avidly read by advisers and they learn a great deal."

David Goldschmidt, Chartered Accountant: "I find this a really excellent newsletter. The best I get. Keep up the good work!"

Andrew Buchan, Partner, HLB Mann Judd: "I have told you a thousand times it's the best newsletter."

Home / 469

Edition: 469

1-8 out of 8 results.

Welcome to Firstlinks Edition 469 with weekend update

4 August 2022
5

Don't switch off when you see a China story. China represents one-third of Australia's global trade, and its many headwinds hitting health, economic growth, military conflict, demographics and tech are threats. Plus common sense in Dalio versus Marks.

Dalio v Marks is common sense v uncommon sense

Graham Hand
3 August 2022
13

Billionaire fund manager standoff: Ray Dalio thinks investing is common sense and markets are simple, while Howard Marks says complex and convoluted 'second-level' thinking is needed for superior returns.

Michael Witts: changes over the final 12 years of my career

Michael Witts
3 August 2022
1

After 40 years in the market, Michael Witts retired recently as Treasurer of ING Bank Australia, a position he held for 12 years. He reflects on changes over the years including in mortgages, regulations and funding.

Meg on SMSFs: should you start a pension before selling assets?

Meg Heffron
3 August 2022
17

A super fund stops paying tax when it is in the pension phase, which can mean a tax exemption on capital gains built up over many years. Does that mean a pension should be started before an asset is sold? Not always.

Annuities cost more for women: it's time for unisex rates

David Knox
3 August 2022
23

Lifetime annuities will become a more important tool to manage longevity, but they are the only part of our retirement income system where the benefit is determined by an individual’s sex. It's time to change.

Five key trends driving the Australian office sector

Most people are returning to their offices, often three days a week with flexibility. The trend to premium offices supports health and lifestyles, while office designs focus more on collaboration and social spaces.

Reserve Bank has both a date and data dilemma

Graham Hand, Lewis Jackson
3 August 2022
3

Central banks need data and sources as up-to-date as possible, yet Australia's Reserve Bank sees a new CPI only once a quarter. And the US Fed's rate committee waits two months for its next meeting.

Tribute to Phil Ruthven, thanks for the wonderful contributions

Firstlinks
2 August 2022
4

Phil Ruthven, AM - forecaster, entrepreneur, storyteller - passed away last week at the age of 82. Phil was a fantastic supporter of Cuffelinks/Firstlinks from the start and we link to all 26 of his original articles.

Firstlinks is sponsored by:

Most viewed in recent weeks

Building a lazy ETF portfolio in 2026

What are the best ways to build a simple portfolio from scratch? I’ve addressed this issue before but think it’s worth revisiting given markets and the world have since changed, throwing up new challenges and things to consider.

James Gruber
14 January 2026

Australian stocks will crush housing over the next decade, 2025 edition

Two years ago, I wrote an article suggesting that the odds favoured ASX shares easily outperforming residential property over the next decade. Here’s an update on where things stand today.

James Gruber
17 December 2025

Get set for a bumpy 2026

At this time last year, I forecast that 2025 would likely be a positive year given strong economic prospects and disinflation. The outlook for this year is less clear cut and here is what investors should do.

Roger Montgomery
1 January 2026

Meg on SMSFs: First glimpse of revised Division 296 tax

Treasury has released draft legislation for a new version of the controversial $3 million super tax. It's a significant improvement on the original proposal but there are some stings in the tail.

Meg Heffron
7 January 2026

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.

James Gruber
21 January 2026

Property versus shares - a practical guide for investors

I’ve been comparing property and shares for decades and while both have their place, the differences are stark. When tax, costs, and liquidity are weighed, property looks less compelling than its reputation suggests.

Noel Whittaker
17 December 2025

Alliances

Site Map

About Firstlinks

Disclaimer
The data, research and opinions provided here are for information purposes; are not an offer to buy or sell a security; and are not warranted to be correct, complete or accurate. Morningstar, its affiliates, and third-party content providers are not responsible for any investment decisions, damages or losses resulting from, or related to, the data and analyses or their use. To the extent any content is general advice, it has been prepared for clients of Morningstar Australasia Pty Ltd (ABN: 95 090 665 544, AFSL: 240892), without reference to your financial objectives, situation or needs. For more information refer to our Financial Services Guide. You should consider the advice in light of these matters and if applicable, the relevant Product Disclosure Statement before making any decision to invest. Past performance does not necessarily indicate a financial product’s future performance. To obtain advice tailored to your situation, contact a professional financial adviser. Articles are current as at date of publication.
This website contains information and opinions provided by third parties. Inclusion of this information does not necessarily represent Morningstar’s positions, strategies or opinions and should not be considered an endorsement by Morningstar.