26 February 2026

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Ray Dalio on 2025’s real story, Trump, and what’s next Making sense of record high markets as the world catches fire 3 ways to fix Australia’s affordability crisis Is there a better way to reform the CGT discount?How cutting the CGT discount could help rebalance housing market

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Home / 523

Edition: 523

1-8 out of 8 results.

Welcome to Firstlinks Edition 523 with weekend update

24 August 2023
4

The latest Intergenerational Report was released this week. The rising cost of health, social security, interest payments and defence will consume half the budget, and there will be 40 million of us by 2062. Although the forecast is for budget deficits every year into the future, there is little detail on the reforms needed to finance the dramatic changes.

It’s dismal: good news is bad news … and vice versa

Graham Hand
23 August 2023
9

Almost every economic data point or announcement can be interpreted as good news or bad news, which is confusing for investors looking for guidance. 'On the other hand' is a catchphrase of the dismal science.

Clime time: Asset allocation decisions for SMSFs

John Abernethy
23 August 2023
13

Asset allocation explains up 70% of total investment returns, making it of critical importance to SMSFs. Here are some guidelines for how they should go about it and the macroeconomic events that could influence allocations.

Global consumer and corporate resilience surprises everyone

Qiao Ma
23 August 2023
1

Despite recession predictions, consumer activity and corporate earnings are holding up well. Global long-term interest rates probably peaked last October, and there are signs of corporate earnings re-acceleration.

Admin fees on large super funds vs SMSFs

Annika Bradley
23 August 2023
18

From going it alone with an SMSF to defaulting into a large super fund's balanced option, administration time and fees for super vary materially. Here's a guide to the costs involved and the potential impact on returns.

Matildas reality check: little impact on the A-League

Graham Hand
23 August 2023
12

The Matildas sold out stadiums and set television viewing records, thrilling millions of Australians who had never watched a football match before. Despite the excitement, few will now watch the domestic competitions.

Podcast: Andrew Clifford on finding gems amid China rubble

James Gruber
23 August 2023
2

Featuring Platinum Asset Management's Andrew Clifford on why he's finding value in China and Japan, Graham looks at life expectancy and returns, while Peter explains what CBA's result tell us about the outlook for banks.

Opportunities but not a time to make major risk decisions

Niall O’Sullivan
23 August 2023
1

While this is no time to be making major calls on asset allocation, there are abundant opportunities for generating incremental returns. US government bonds, Japanese stocks, and commodities offer value for investors.

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Most viewed in recent weeks

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

Making sense of record high markets as the world catches fire

The post-World War Two economic system is unravelling, leading to huge shifts in currency, bond and commodity markets, yet stocks seem oblivious to the chaos. This looks to history as a guide for what’s next.

James Gruber
28 January 2026

3 ways to fix Australia’s affordability crisis

Our cost-of-living pressures go beyond the RBA: surging house prices, excessive migration, and expanding government programs, including the NDIS, are fuelling inflation, demanding bold, structural solutions.

James Gruber
4 February 2026

Is there a better way to reform the CGT discount?

The capital gains tax discount is under review, but debate should go beyond its size. Its original purpose, design flaws and distortions suggest Australia could adopt a better, more targeted approach.

Matthew Maltman, Matt Nolan
11 February 2026

How cutting the CGT discount could help rebalance housing market

A more rational taxation system that supports home ownership but discourages asset speculation could provide greater financial support to first home buyers.

Jago Dodson, Liam Davies
18 February 2026

Welcome to Firstlinks Edition 648 with weekend update

This is my last edition as Editor of Firstlinks. I’m moving onto a new role though the newsletter will remain in good hands until my permanent replacement is found.

5 February 2026

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