25 April 2026

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Indexation implications – key changes to 2026/27 super thresholds The refinery problem: A different kind of energy crisis in 2026 3 ways to defuse intergenerational anger The missing 30%: how LIC returns are understated, and why it matters Little‑known government scheme can help retirees tap into $3 trillion of housing wealth

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Home / 503

Edition: 503

1-8 out of 8 results.

Welcome to Firstlinks Edition 503 with weekend update

6 April 2023
13

The etymology of the word 'superannuation' derives from when 'superannuated' meant 'to declare obsolete'. There's nothing obsolete about Australia's super system but after decades of devising imaginative ways to put as much into super as possible, governments are closing the door on large balances. In any case, focus more on owning a home.

10 reasons owning your home beats super in retirement

Graham Hand
5 April 2023
64

Since the introduction of compulsory super, the industry has pushed its members to put as much as possible into super. It has been a disservice to anyone entering retirement who could have owned a home instead.

The net cost of superannuation concessions is not so gross

Andrew Gale
5 April 2023
26

The costs of super concessions are usually quoted in gross terms, ignoring offsetting behavioural changes and social security savings. The impact of very large balances should be measured in net terms.

Cut tax breaks to make super fairer and the budget stronger

The Grattan Institute argues that superannuation has moved so far beyond the purpose of providing income in retirement that the super tax breaks will do little more than boost the inheritances of wealthy people.

How will SMSF trustees handle the new super tax proposal?

Andrew Yee
5 April 2023
13

Clients are reacting to the proposed new tax on super balances over $3 million, asking whether private, illiquid, real estate and other growth assets should be held where unrealised capital gains will be taxed.

What are the industrial, office or retail listed property picks?

Cameron McCormack
5 April 2023
3

Many Australian listed property trusts (A-REITs) have sold off due to higher interest rates and WFH, but in the sectors of retail, office and industrial, where do recent movements in stock prices now represent value?

Market narratives are seductive and dangerous

James Gruber
5 April 2023
2

Human beings are storytelling animals yet it’s the job of investors to separate truth from fiction. And the truth lies in numbers, the company earnings and the multiples attached to those earnings.

Dealing with retirement anxiety

Richard Dinham
5 April 2023
3

Many people will transition into retirement earlier than expected and while anxious at first, once people enter retirement and settle into a new rhythm, there is a more relaxed acceptance of their circumstances.

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Indexation implications – key changes to 2026/27 super thresholds

Stay on top of the latest changes to superannuation rates and thresholds for 2026, including increases to transfer balance cap, concessional contributions cap, and non-concessional contributions cap.

Julie Steed
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The refinery problem: A different kind of energy crisis in 2026

The Strait of Hormuz closure due to US-Iran conflict severely disrupted global energy supply chains. While various emergency measures mitigated the crude impact, the refined product market faces unprecedented stress.

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3 ways to defuse intergenerational anger

With the upcoming budget increasingly likely to include bold proposals to alter the tax code I’ve outlined three incremental steps with fewer unintended consequences.

Mark LaMonica CFA
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The missing 30%: how LIC returns are understated, and why it matters

The perceived underperformance of LICs compared to ETFs is due to existing comparison data excluding crucial information, highlighting the need for proper assessment and transparent reporting.

Emma Davidson
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Little‑known government scheme can help retirees tap into $3 trillion of housing wealth

The Home Equity Access Scheme in Australia allows older homeowners to tap into their home equity for retirement income, yet remains underused due to lack of awareness and its perceived complexity.

Katja Hanewald
8 April 2026

Welcome to Firstlinks Edition 655 with weekend update

Many investors are on edge as geopolitical turmoil continues to impact markets, often leading to short-sighted actions. These are the three quotes that I’ve relied on during periods of volatility.

26 March 2026

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