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19 July 2025

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Edition: 523

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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Raising the GST to 15%

Treasurer Jim Chalmers aims to tackle tax reform but faces challenges. Previous reviews struggled due to political sensitivities, highlighting the need for comprehensive and politically feasible change.

7 examples of how the new super tax will be calculated

You've no doubt heard about Division 296. These case studies show what people at various levels above the $3 million threshold might need to pay the ATO, with examples ranging from under $500 to more than $35,000.

The revolt against Baby Boomer wealth

The $3m super tax could be put down to the Government needing money and the wealthy being easy targets. It’s deeper than that though and this looks at the factors behind the policy and why more taxes on the wealthy are coming.

Are franking credits hurting Australia’s economy?

Business investment and per capita GDP have languished over the past decade and the Labor Government is conducting inquiries to find out why. Franking credits should be part of the debate about our stalling economy.

Here's what should replace the $3 million super tax

With Div. 296 looming, is there a smarter way to tax superannuation? This proposes a fairer, income-linked alternative that respects compounding, ensures predictability, and avoids taxing unrealised capital gains. 

The rubbery numbers behind super tax concessions

In selling the super tax, Labor has repeated Treasury claims of there being $50 billion in super tax concessions annually, mostly flowing to high-income earners. This figure is vastly overstated.

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