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Edition: 494

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Welcome to Firstlinks Edition 494 with weekend update

  • 2 February 2023
  • 17

Three years ago this month, we realised a new virus was different and worse, and central banks pumped trillions into the financial system. But they ignored warnings of the inflationary consequences and we're all paying now, as markets in 2022 responded by falling in unison with more rate rises to come.

Tim Congdon warned us and we ignored him on inflation

In 2020 and 2021, Tim Congdon warned us about rapid increases in inflation due to the excess of money growth over output, and he excoriates the experts who ignored the obvious. What is he now saying about 2023? 

Six charts on how Australians invested in 2022 and why

Flows into equities were not strong in 2022 as investors worried about the selloff, but more money flowed into fixed interest at the wrong time. Managed funds still dominate ETFs and LICs but the gap is closing. 

Yes, ‘millionaires’ can qualify for the age pension

Recent media articles mocked a couple with $1 million in assets who asked whether they would qualify for the Age Pension. The ridicule hid an important debate about whether the Age Pension system is still fit for purpose.

Covid has changed our retirement plans

A new survey suggests Australians have changed their thinking on when, and how, they might retire. After the turmoil of Covid, Australia stands out in the global survey with 34% indicating a different retirement outlook.

3 fortress growth stocks for volatile times

The market has erred by shunning growth companies indiscriminately. There are many growing businesses that enjoy strong free cash flow and robust balance sheets, including three US-listed large-cap companies outlined here.

Why central banks are becoming impotent

The power to control the creation of money has moved from central banks to western governments by the issuing of state guarantees on bank credit. What are the implications for investing and inflation?

9 ways that global markets are changing

Australia's economy is in good shape after the extraordinary shift in global markets over the past 12 months, but here are nine macro and geopolitical factors for investors to check in a rapidly-changing world.  

Most viewed in recent weeks

2024/25 super thresholds – key changes and implications

The ATO has released all the superannuation rates and thresholds that will apply from 1 July 2024. Here's what’s changing and what’s not, and some key considerations and opportunities in the lead up to 30 June and beyond.

Five months on from cancer diagnosis

Life has radically shifted with my brain cancer, and I don’t know if it will ever be the same again. After decades of writing and a dozen years with Firstlinks, I still want to contribute, but exactly how and when I do that is unclear.

Uncomfortable truths: The real cost of living in retirement

How useful are the retirement savings and spending targets put out by various groups such as ASFA? Not very, and it's reducing the ability of ordinary retirees to fully understand their retirement income options.

Is Australia ready for its population growth over the next decade?

Australia will have 3.7 million more people in a decade's time, though the growth won't be evenly distributed. Over 85s will see the fastest growth, while the number of younger people will barely rise. 

Why LICs may be close to bottoming

Investor disgust, consolidation, de-listings, price discounts, activist investors entering - it’s what typically happens at business cycle troughs, and it’s happening to LICs now. That may present a potential opportunity.

The public servants demanding $3m super tax exemption

The $3 million super tax will capture retired, and soon to retire, public servants and politicians who are members of defined benefit superannuation schemes. Lobbying efforts for exemptions to the tax are intensifying.

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